Ischemic heart disease, or coronary

artery disease
Causes
Coronary artery disease is thought to begin with damage or injury to the inner layer
of a coronary artery, sometimes as early as childhood. The damage may be caused
by various factors, including:
 Smoking
 High blood pressure
 High cholesterol
 Diabetes or insulin resistance
 Sedentary lifestyle
Once the inner wall of an artery is damaged, fatty deposits (plaque) made of
cholesterol and other cellular waste products tend to accumulate at the site of
injury in a process called atherosclerosis. If the surface of the plaque breaks or
ruptures, blood cells called platelets will clump at the site to try to repair the artery.
This clump can block the artery, leading to a heart attack.

Prevention
The same lifestyle habits that can help treat coronary artery disease can also help
prevent it from developing in the first place. Leading a healthy lifestyle can help
keep your arteries strong and clear of plaque. To improve your heart health, you
can:

 Quit smoking
 Control conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
 Stay physically active
 Eat a low-fat, low-salt diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
  Maintain a healthy weight
 Reduce and manage stress

Treatment
Treatment for coronary artery disease usually involves lifestyle changes and, if
necessary, drugs and certain medical procedures. Making a commitment to the
following healthy lifestyle changes can go a long way toward promoting healthier
arteries:
 Quit smoking.
 Eat healthy foods.
 Exercise regularly.
 Lose excess weight.
 Reduce stress.

Symptoms
Stable CAD can present with and without angina symptoms.
 Approximately half of all patients who present with CAD have angina as
the first manifestation2
 Symptoms appear or become more severe with increased levels of
exertion or emotional stress1
 Angina symptoms are caused by transient MI and by the release of
ischaemic metabolites such as adenosine1
 Stable CAD may be asymptomatic, because of a lack of ischaemia or
because of impaired transmission of painful stimuli to the cortex