Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is one of the most common heart problems affecting Indians today. It occurs when the blood vessels supplying blood to the heart, called coronary arteries, become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits known as plaque. This reduces blood flow to the heart muscle and can lead to chest pain, breathlessness, reduced exercise capacity, heart failure, or heart attack.
Heart disease has become a major health concern in India, affecting people at a younger age compared to Western countries. Sedentary lifestyle, stress, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, unhealthy diet, obesity, lack of exercise and family history significantly increase the risk. Indians are also genetically more prone to developing coronary artery disease.
Many patients may not have obvious symptoms in the early stages. Common warning signs include chest heaviness or discomfort while walking, climbing stairs or exertion, shortness of breath, sweating, fatigue, pain radiating to the arm, jaw or back, and in some patients, sudden heart attack without prior warning. In diabetic patients, symptoms may sometimes be mild or “silent.”
Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for nearly one-third of all deaths in India, and coronary artery disease forms a major part of this burden. According to global and Indian health data, millions of Indians are affected by heart disease, and heart attacks are increasingly seen even in younger individuals below 45 years of age.
Early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent major complications. Evaluation may include ECG, TMT, echocardiography, CT coronary angiography or coronary angiogram depending on the patient’s condition. Treatment options range from lifestyle modification and medications to angioplasty with stenting or bypass surgery in advanced disease.
With proper treatment, risk factor control and regular follow-up, most patients with coronary artery disease can lead active and healthy lives.
ESC
