Coronary artery disease.

Overview

Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in arteries supplying the heart, reducing blood flow and raising the risk of heart attack.

A condition may appear differently between people, so a symptom list alone cannot establish a diagnosis. Age, medical history and other circumstances affect assessment.

Signs and symptoms

Possible symptoms include chest pressure during exertion, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue or discomfort that radiates to the jaw, back or arm. Some people have no symptoms until a heart event. Signs of a possible heart attack need immediate emergency care rather than a scheduled visit.

Causes and risk factors

High LDL cholesterol, tobacco use, diabetes, hypertension and genetic factors can increase risk.

Risk factors do not guarantee that a person will develop this condition, and a diagnosis can occur even without obvious risk factors.

Diagnosis and tests

Evaluation depends on symptoms and risk and can include ECG, blood tests and appropriate heart imaging or stress testing.

Tests are chosen for the individual situation. No picture or AI-generated response can confirm this condition.

Care and treatment

Management may combine lifestyle care, medicines and procedures when indicated.

Treatment plans must consider severity, other illnesses, medication safety and personal preferences. Do not start or change prescribed treatment using this article alone.

Prevention and daily living

Avoid tobacco, follow appropriate activity advice, manage blood pressure, diabetes and lipids and take prescribed medicines consistently. A clinician may consider revascularization procedures when indicated by symptoms and findings.

Individual care plans may differ, particularly in pregnancy, childhood, older age or when other illnesses are present. The linked clinical source provides more context.

When to seek help

New or persistent chest pressure, breathlessness, sweating or faintness may be a heart attack: seek emergency help.

If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or you feel unsafe, seek local emergency services. Do not wait for an online reply.

Questions for a clinician

What evidence supports this diagnosis? What tests are necessary? Which treatment options fit my situation? What should I monitor? When should I return or seek urgent help?