1. What is coronary artery disease?
Blood is supplied to your heart by blood vessels on the surface of the heart called coronary arteries. Healthy coronary arteries are like hollow tubes through which blood flows. Coronary artery disease is when fats and other substances in your blood stream build up in the vessels and narrow the arteries. Your heart is a muscle that needs a constant supply of oxygen rich blood in order to work. When that flow is blocked or restricted it can cause heart muscle damage.
2. What factors put me at risk for a heart attack (myocardial infarction)?
Your health care provider will help you determine your personal risk factors. They may include:
3. What do I do if I have warning signs of a heart attack?
Don't forget that since heart attack is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, it is very important to act right away if you have any warning signs (see above). Chest pain or pressure and other related symptoms can be similar to other things such as heartburn, indigestion or hiatal hernia, but assume it is heart related until your doctor proves otherwise. Half of heart attack patients die within an hour of when they first have symptoms. Those who get care right way have a better chance of surviving. Here are some guidelines:
4. What are some things I can do to stay heart healthy?
Be sure to talk to your doctor about how these tips apply to you:
5. What is Angina?
Angina refers to symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It is often the first sign of heart disease.
The heart is a muscle that gets blood flow from the coronary arteries. If your coronary arteries have a blockage or narrowing that reduces blood flow to the heart, you may experience angina.
People with angina usually feel discomfort (often pressure-like pain) in or around the chest, shoulders, back, neck, jaw or arms. It may feel like a squeezing pressing sensation. Angina is usually caused and made worse by exercise and eased by rest. The pain usually lasts 2-5 minutes. If you have this kind of chest pain, contact your health care provider. You can take medicine that will help your angina. If you suspect you are having a heart attack (see warning signs), call 911. Not all chest discomfort is angina. Acid reflux, lung infections or inflammation can cause chest pain.
6. Does angina mean I'm having a heart attack?
Not necessarily. An episode of angina is not a heart attack. It does however, mean you have a greater chance of having a heart attack. Angina means part of the heart is not getting enough blood temporarily. A heart attack means blood flow is cut off to a portion of the heart permanently, usually by a blood clot. This can lead to serious heart damage.
7. How is angina treated?
Lifestyle changes and medications are the most common ways to treat stable angina. Risk factor modification such as lowering your blood pressure, losing excess weight, quitting smoking, exercising, lowering high blood cholesterol and managing stress will help make you more comfortable and may reduce angina symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe drugs to control your angina. Nitroglyerine is a common one used. It relieves pain by relaxing blood vessels and allowing more blood flow to the heart.
8. What are the symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
You may not know you have CAD until you have symptoms from clogged arteries. Chest pain (angina) and shortness of breath can be the first signs of CAD. Some people don't know they have CAD until they have a heart attack. If you have risk factors for CAD, you should speak with your health care provider about how to lower your risk.
9. What are the treatments for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
There are 3 main treatments for CAD - medicines, interventional procedures like angioplasty and stenting that open blocked arteries, and bypass surgery.
10. Is it safe to have sex after a heart attack?
Most heart attack survivors can return to their normal sexual activities after recovering from their heart attack, just as they are able to return to other kinds of physical activity and to work. Be sure to talk to your health care provider about when you should resume sexual activities.