Coronary artery disease is a serious condition which is caused by plaque building up in your coronary arteries which are called atherosclerosis. This build-up can wholly or partially restrict blood flow in the large arteries of the heart. Uncontrolled coronary artery disease might lead to a heart attack. From age 45, onwards men have a higher risk of having CAD, and from age 55, onwards women have a higher risk of having CAD.

Chest discomfort (angina) is the most common symptom experienced with coronary artery disease. Other symptoms which might be experienced include:

• Chest pain
• Heaviness
• Tightness
• Burning 
• Squeezing 
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating 
• Dizziness
• Pain in the arms or shoulders 
• Cold sweats 

Women also experience the symptoms mentioned above and are more likely to have:

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Back pain
• Jaw pain
• Shortness of breath but no chest pain 

Should you be feeling these symptoms, you should make a consultation with Dr Naicker so that he may evaluate your symptoms and make a diagnosis accordingly. To make a diagnosis for coronary artery disease, Dr Naicker will conduct a review of your medical history as well as a physical examination. He will also conduct tests which include an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, stress test, cardiac catheterisation, cardiac MRI and heart CT scan.

After a diagnosis has been made for coronary artery disease, Dr Naicker might advise you to seek treatment so that you may lower your chances of getting a heart attack or a stroke. He might also suggest lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, get regular exercise, be at a healthy weight, eat a healthy diet, reduce consumption of alcohol. Should there be no improvements with your condition upon implementing these lifestyle changes, you might have to undergo some medical procedures. These procedures include balloon angioplasty, coronary artery bypass graft surgery and enhanced external counterpulsation.