Coronary Artery Disease Symptoms and What to Do About Them

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease, affecting more than 18 million adults in the United States. It can become deadly when it’s not addressed — that’s why knowing CAD warning signs and what to do about them saves lives. If something feels off, don’t tough it out; your heart is trying to tell you something.

From two offices in Tampa, Florida, and another one in Citrus Park, Florida, Muthu Velusamy, MD, FACC, ABVM, and our team at Cardiovascular Institute of America are here to help at the first sign of new or unusual symptoms. Knowing about the signs of CAD — and what to do about them — can reduce your risk of a heart attack and other life-threatening complications. 

Symptoms of CAD

CAD occurs when your heart doesn’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Common symptoms to be aware of include:

Chest pain

CAD-related chest pain can feel like pressure, squeezing, tightness, aching, or heaviness in your chest. The discomfort often affects the left or middle side of the chest. You may also experience sharp or brief pain in your back, arm, neck, or other areas. Chest pain can worsen during emotional distress or physical activity. 

Fatigue

Fatigue is a symptom of CAD that results when your heart can’t pump enough blood throughout your body to meet its needs.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath can indicate CAD or other concerns affecting your heart. You might experience new or worsening shortness of breath during light physical activity. It’s an indicator that something is off — and always warrants a medical evaluation by Dr. Velusamy. 

Heart attack

Sometimes you don’t develop noticeable CAD symptoms until a heart attack occurs due to blocked arteries. Common heart attack symptoms include nausea, cold sweats, heartburn, fatigue, sudden dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest pain that may spread to your arm, shoulder, back, neck, upper abdomen, or jaw. 

When to see a doctor for CAD

See Dr. Velusamy at the first sign of CAD or if you have its risk factors. Significant CAD risk factors include: 

• A close family history of CAD
• Being over the age of 45
• Being overweight or obese
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle 
• A diet rich in saturated fats (i.e., beef, cheese)
• Smoking or vaping (tobacco use)

Other risk factors for CAD include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and living with an untreated sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

CAD treatment options

Depending on its severity, Dr. Velusamy offers an array of treatment options for CAD. To determine if you are suffering from CAD several diagnostic tests like electrocardiogram(EKG), Echocardiogram, Stress test, or CT of your coronary arteries will be done. Surgery may also be part of your treatment plan. If you have an abnormal diagnostic test, you might need a Cardiac Catheterization, with angioplasty and  stent placement, and/or  coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, or similar procedure to repair or bypass a blocked artery. Routine follow-up care with Dr. Velusamy is vital to monitor CAD over time and avoid serious complications. Make sure to follow :

• A regular exercise routine and  weight management
• A heart-healthy diet
• Have a good night's sleep and manage your stress
• Stop Smoking and consuming alcohol

Worried about CAD? We’re here to help. Schedule a visit at the Cardiovascular Institute of America today. We have one office in Lutz, Florida, and two offices in Tampa, Florida.