Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when arteries that supply blood to the heart become hardened and narrowed. Eventually, the heart muscle does not receive the blood flow and oxygen it needs to work properly. Over time, CAD can contribute to other heart conditions such as heart failure and arrhythmias, or changes in the heart’s normal beating rhythm. Assess your risk of developing coronary artery disease.

Help prevent or delay the onset of CAD in your life.

Know your family history

If you have a history of heart disease in your family, tell your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe certain medications or work with you to develop a healthy lifestyle plan to help lower your risk of developing CAD or other heart-related conditions.

Make lifestyle changes

Eat healthy, try to exercise at least 30 minutes every day, lose weight if you’re overweight, take steps to reduce stress, and quit smoking.

Take medications as prescribed by your physician

Some medicines decrease the heart’s workload and reduce or relieve CAD symptoms. Others reduce the risk of heart attack and prevent or delay the need for other procedures.

Additional resource

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

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