Coronary Artery Disease
Narrowing of the heart's own arteries by cholesterol plaque — the cause of angina and heart attacks, and the most common serious heart condition in India.
What it is
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the gradual narrowing of the arteries that supply the heart muscle, caused by the build-up of cholesterol-rich plaque. When narrowing limits blood flow during effort, it causes angina; when a plaque ruptures suddenly and a clot blocks the artery, it causes a heart attack. Indians develop CAD earlier than most populations — often a decade before their Western counterparts.
Symptoms
Chest heaviness, tightness or pain on exertion that eases with rest; breathlessness; unusual fatigue. Diabetics and the elderly may have minimal or atypical symptoms. A sudden, severe episode — especially with sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw — is an emergency.
Diagnosis and treatment
Evaluation moves stepwise: ECG, echocardiography, then stress testing or CT/invasive angiography where indicated. Treatment always includes medication and risk-factor control; significant blockages may need angioplasty and stenting, and some patterns of disease are best served by bypass surgery, which Dr. Kumar coordinates with the cardiac surgical team at Medanta-Moolchand Heart Centre.
Not sure if these symptoms matter?
A consultation answers that with an exam and the right tests — not guesswork.