Coronary Artery Disease
Also known as: CAD, Heart Disease, Ischaemic Heart Disease, Angina
Coronary artery disease is narrowing of the arteries that supply the heart, caused by fatty plaque. It can cause chest pain (angina) or a heart attack.
Symptoms
- Chest pain or pressure on exertion
- Breathlessness
- Pain in the arm, jaw or back
- Sweating
- Fatigue
Causes
- Atherosclerosis (plaque build-up)
Risk factors
- Diabetes
- High BP
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Family history
- Inactivity
Complications
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmia
Treatment overview
Lifestyle change, medicines (aspirin, statins, BP medicines) and, when needed, angioplasty with stent or bypass surgery.
Prevention
- Stop smoking
- Control BP, sugar and cholesterol
- Exercise
- Heart-healthy diet
When to see a doctor
Call 108 or 112 immediately for chest pain lasting more than a few minutes.
Medicines used
Specialists who treat it
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease?
Chest pain or pressure on exertion, Breathlessness, Pain in the arm, jaw or back, Sweating, Fatigue
What causes Coronary Artery Disease?
Atherosclerosis (plaque build-up)
How is Coronary Artery Disease treated?
Lifestyle change, medicines (aspirin, statins, BP medicines) and, when needed, angioplasty with stent or bypass surgery.
How can Coronary Artery Disease be prevented?
Stop smoking, Control BP, sugar and cholesterol, Exercise, Heart-healthy diet
Medically reviewed by
Medical review pending
Last updated
9 October 2026
Sources
- World Health Organization fact sheets
- ICMR and MoHFW national guidelines
- National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
This information is for general awareness and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Do not start, stop or change any medicine without medical advice.