Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Treatment by Dr. Mahesh Kharade

What is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

Causes of Coronary Artery Disease

• High Cholesterol Levels – Excessive low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol leads to plaque formation in the arteries.
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Increased pressure damages the artery walls, making them more prone to plaque buildup.
• Diabetes – Elevated blood sugar levels contribute to arterial damage and inflammation.
• Smoking – Tobacco use accelerates atherosclerosis by damaging blood vessels and reducing oxygen levels in the blood.
• Obesity – Being overweight increases the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, all of which contribute to CAD.
• Sedentary Lifestyle – Lack of physical activity leads to poor cardiovascular health and increases risk factors for CAD.
• Unhealthy Diet – High consumption of processed foods, saturated fats, and sugary items promotes plaque formation.
• Genetics and Family History – A family history of heart disease increases the likelihood of developing CAD.

Common Symptoms of CAD

• Chest Pain (Angina) – A feeling of tightness, pressure, or burning in the chest, often triggered by physical activity or stress.
• Shortness of Breath – Difficulty breathing due to reduced oxygen supply to the heart.
• Fatigue – Feeling excessively tired, even with minimal exertion.
• Heart Palpitations – Irregular heartbeats or a racing heart.
• Dizziness or Fainting – Inadequate blood flow to the brain due to reduced heart function.
• Heart Attack Symptoms – Sudden severe chest pain, sweating, nausea, and radiating pain in the left arm or jaw indicate a medical emergency.

Advanced Treatment Options for CAD

• Heart-Healthy Diet – Low-fat, high-fiber, and nutrient-rich foods help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Regular Exercise – Engaging in aerobic activities like walking, cycling, or swimming strengthens the heart.
• Quitting Smoking & Limiting Alcohol – Reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption improves cardiovascular health.

• Statins – Lower LDL cholesterol to slow plaque buildup.
• Aspirin – Reduces the risk of blood clots that can lead to heart attacks.
• Beta-Blockers – Control blood pressure and reduce heart strain.
• Nitrates – Help widen arteries and relieve angina.

• Angioplasty (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention - PCI) is a minimally invasive procedure where a catheter is inserted into the blocked artery. A small balloon is inflated to widen the artery, and a stent (mesh-like tube) is placed to keep the artery open.
• Drug-Eluting Stents (DES) are commonly used to prevent future narrowing of the arteries.

• Also known as heart bypass surgery, CABG is performed when multiple arteries are blocked. A healthy blood vessel from another part of the body is used to bypass the blocked arteries, restoring normal blood flow to the heart.
• It is recommended for patients with severe CAD or those who are not candidates for angioplasty.

• Robotic-Assisted Heart Surgery – A less invasive approach to bypass surgery with faster recovery times.
• Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) – Uses sound waves to break up calcified plaques in arteries.
• Bioabsorbable Stents – Stents that gradually dissolve after restoring blood flow, reducing long-term complications.
• Gene Therapy & Stem Cell Research – Exploring new ways to regenerate heart tissue and repair damaged arteries.

Preventing Coronary Artery Disease

• Regular health check-ups – Monitor cholesterol, blood pressure, and sugar levels.
• Adopt a heart-friendly diet – Include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
• Exercise regularly – At least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
• Manage stress effectively – Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness help reduce stress.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol – Smoking is one of the leading contributors to CAD.
• Follow prescribed medications – If you have risk factors, follow your cardiologist’s advice strictly.