Overview

Coronary artery disease occurs when one or more branches of the coronary arteries become narrowed, restricting blood flow due to plaque that forms and accumulates inside the artery walls.

Common causes:

• Atherosclerotic plaque: Caused by the buildup of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances in the blood. The plaque deposits in the artery walls, reducing blood flow to the heart.
• Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions can also contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque.

Over time, reduced blood flow can cause symptoms of coronary artery disease such as chest pain and shortness of breath. A complete blockage can lead to a heart attack. Because plaque usually builds up gradually, patients may not feel any symptoms until the condition worsens as the enlarging plaque narrows the coronary arteries.

However, coronary artery disease can be effectively prevented and treated. It starts with detecting the condition early and making lifestyle changes for better cardiovascular health.

Risk factors

• Age: The risk of coronary heart disease increases with age.
• Gender: Men have a higher risk of coronary artery disease than women, but a woman’s risk also rises after menopause.
• Family history: Having a first-degree relative (parents, siblings) with coronary heart disease increases your own risk.
• Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• High blood pressure: Increases pressure on the blood vessel walls, which over time can damage the vessels and lead to coronary heart disease.
• High blood cholesterol: High cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol, can accumulate in the blood vessel walls, forming plaque and reducing blood flow to the heart.
• Type 2 diabetes: Diabetes damages the blood vessels and can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Obesity and overweight due to an unhealthy diet and physical inactivity increase the risk not only of cardiovascular and coronary disease but also of many other conditions.
• Prolonged stress can raise blood pressure and heart rate, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular and coronary disease.
• An unhealthy diet: Eating a lot of saturated fat, trans fat, salt, and sugar increases the risk of coronary heart disease.

Cardiovascular and coronary screening

Early diagnosis of cardiovascular and coronary disease is performed using coronary MSCT (3D reconstruction CT) or coronary CT angiography. Coronary CT scanning allows doctors to observe the degree of coronary artery calcification and assess the risk of arterial narrowing even before symptoms appear, or to evaluate the current condition. Based on the degree of calcification, the doctor will propose a treatment plan, considering whether medication or lifestyle changes are needed to reduce the risk of complications or future cardiovascular problems.