ANSWERS: 1
  • Arterial plaque forms along artery walls and is composed of various substances, such as fat, cholesterol and calcium. Plaque build-up can make arteries narrower and slow down blood flow or block it entirely; this condition is known as coronary artery disease (CAD).

    Symptoms

    You may be suffering from arterial plaque or coronary artery disease if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or a heart attack.

    Causes

    Coronary artery disease can be caused by smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

    Risk Factors

    You may be at risk for coronary artery disease if you are a man, smoker, have high blood pressure or cholesterol, obese, diabetic, have a sedentary lifestyle or a family history of CAD.

    Treatment

    Medical treatments include cholesterol lowering drugs, aspirin, beta blockers and ACE inhibitors. Angioplasties and coronary artery bypass surgeries are performed to help improve blood flow.

    Prevention

    Help prevent or reduce your risk of coronary artery disease by quitting smoking, lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and losing excess weight.

    Source:

    Mayo Clinic: Coronary Artery Disease

    NHLBI: What is Coronary Artery Disease?

    More Information:

    American Heart Association

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