Coronary arterial disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. Because there are few minor symptoms, or symptoms that may easily be mistaken, it is not uncommon for CAD to go undetected until major symptoms occur, such as heart attack or heart failure. The less severe symptoms include chest pain, called angina. Angina is discomfort that happens when your heart does not get enough oxygen and may feel like pressure in your chest. It may feel like indigestion, which is why it is not uncommon for this symptom not to be recognized as an indicator of CAD.

Coronary arterial disease is caused by a build up of plaque in the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries are the arteries that supply the heart with oxygenated blood. When they are filled with plaque deposits, which are made up of fat and cholesterol, the passageways become narrower and restrict the amount of blood flow to the heart. This process starves the heart of necessary oxygen and nutrients, inhibiting it from functioning properly. If the heart cannot keep up with the demands you are making on it, a heart attack or other heart failure may occur.

Risk factors for this disease include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol. If you have any of these conditions and experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations, consult a doctor. There are a number of tests that can be done to determine if you have coronary arterial disease, including a chest x-ray, blood test, electrocardiogram, or exercise electrocardiogram, which will test the health of your heart.

If you are diagnosed, steps will be taken to decrease the risk of heart attack. Lifestyle changes may be suggested to you, such as eating healthier, drinking and smoking less, lowering your stress level, and getting regular exercise. Medication may also be prescribed to help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as reduce the risk of blood clots and relieve chest pain. If your symptoms are severe, it may be necessary to have a medical procedure done to open blocked arteries. Angioplasty is a method by which the articles are widened in order to increase blood flow. It is not considered a major surgery. Bypass surgery is the major alternative, which creates detours around the blocked arteries with healthy blood vessels. Consult a doctor if you believe you are at risk.