Coronary artery disease: prevention and treatment methods
Written in association with:
Cardiologist
Published: 03/10/2024
Edited by: Aoife Maguire
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition where the blood vessels supplying the heart (called coronary arteries) become narrowed due to a build-up of fatty deposits, known as plaque. This can limit the blood flow to the heart, potentially leading to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or even a heart attack. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent CAD or manage it if you've already been diagnosed.
Renowned consultant cardiologist Dr Jonathan Hasleton explores the various prevention and treatment methods for this disease.
What lifestyle changes can help?
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to prevent CAD. This involves changes in diet, exercise, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking.
Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can significantly lower your risk of developing CAD. It is important to limit your intake of saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and sugar. These foods can contribute to the build-up of plaque in your arteries. The Mediterranean diet, for example, is often recommended as it emphasises healthy fats like olive oil and fish.
Exercise: Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and can improve your cholesterol levels. It is recommended that you complete 150 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, per week. Even small amounts of activity, like taking the stairs instead of the lift, can make a difference.
Smoking: If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your heart. Smoking damages the blood vessels and accelerates plaque build-up, raising your risk of CAD.
What role do medications play in coronary artery disease prevention?
In addition to lifestyle changes, medication may be necessary to reduce your risk of CAD or to manage the condition. Medications can help control cholesterol levels, and prevent blood clots, which are all major risk factors for CAD.
Statins: These drugs help lower your cholesterol by reducing the amount of cholesterol your liver produces. High levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) can accelerate plaque formation.
Antiplatelet medications: Common examples include aspirin or clopidogrel. These medications make the blood less "sticky" and reduce the likelihood of clots forming inside your arteries.
Blood pressure control: ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers are commonly prescribed to lower blood pressure, which reduces the strain on your arteries and heart.
Are medical procedures necessary to treat CAD?
If lifestyle changes and medications aren’t enough to control CAD, certain procedures may be necessary.
Angioplasty and stenting: This involves inserting a small balloon into the blocked artery to open it up, often followed by the placement of a stent (a small mesh tube) to keep the artery open.
Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG): In more severe cases, surgery may be needed. A blood vessel from another part of the body is used to bypass the blocked artery, allowing blood to flow to the heart muscle.
By making positive lifestyle changes, managing risk factors with medication, and exploring medical procedures when needed, it’s possible to prevent or treat CAD effectively, reducing your risk of serious complications.
If you would like to book a consultation with Dr Hasleton, you can do so by visiting his Top Doctors profile today.