Coronary Artery Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and What You Can Do

When your coronary artery disease, a condition where fatty deposits narrow the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Also known as coronary heart disease, it’s the number one killer of adults worldwide. This isn’t just about aging—it’s about what you eat, how you move, and whether you ignore warning signs.

At its core, atherosclerosis, the slow buildup of cholesterol and other substances in artery walls is what drives coronary artery disease. Over time, this plaque buildup, a mix of fat, calcium, and inflammatory cells hardens and blocks blood flow. Without enough oxygen, your heart muscle starts to struggle. That’s when you feel chest pain—angina, a squeezing or pressure sensation often triggered by stress or physical effort. It’s not always dramatic. Sometimes it’s just fatigue, shortness of breath, or pain radiating to your arm or jaw. Many people write it off as indigestion or aging. But ignoring it can lead to a heart attack.

What makes this worse? High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and too much sitting. These don’t just add risk—they speed up the damage. The good news? You can slow or even reverse this process. Medications like statins lower cholesterol, aspirin reduces clotting, and beta blockers ease the heart’s workload. But pills alone aren’t enough. Walking 30 minutes a day, cutting back on sugar and processed fats, and managing stress do more than you think. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistent, smart choices.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how specific medications interact with heart health, what symptoms to never ignore, and how everyday habits can either protect or harm your arteries. No fluff. Just clear, practical info from people who’ve seen what happens when coronary artery disease is left unchecked—and what works when it’s not.