What does CAD mean in HOSPITALS

The cause of Coronary Artery Disease is typically caused by fatty deposits and cholesterol buildup in the coronary arteries. This buildup, called plaque, causes the arteries to narrow which prevents blood from flowing properly through the arteries and increases a person's risk for heart attack or stroke.

Yes, some common symptoms of CAD include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, indigestion and palpitations. In some cases these symptoms may be absent or mild requiring further tests to detect the progression of CAD.

CAD is usually diagnosed by tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram (ECHO), angiography or cardiac stress test which measure electrical impulses and assess how well your heart is pumping blood around your body.

Risk factors for CAD include smoking, high cholesterol levels in the blood, high blood pressure and diabetes. Other factors such as family history, obesity and lack of physical activity can also increase one's risk for developing Coronary Artery Disease.

Treatments depend on each individual case but may include lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and exercising regularly; medications such as statins to lower cholesterol levels; or procedures such as angioplasty to widen narrowed arteries or bypass surgery on blocked vessels.