Coronary artery disease is a condition of the heart which is a precursor to heart attack or cardiac arrest. The arteries of the heart are responsible to supply the most vital organ of the body with oxygen rich blood. If there isn’t sufficient oxygen being supplied to the heart then it can result in coronary artery disease. The lack of oxygen may be owing to several factors that also include respiratory ailments. However, the most common reason for the low supply of oxygen rich blood is widely considered to be cholesterol. As cholesterol deposits on the arterial surfaces increase, plaques are formed. These narrow down the arteries hence cutting out the natural flow of oxygen rich blood to the heart.

The symptom of coronary heart disease is known as angina. Angina is also referred to as angina pectoris. In simpler words, as per the definition in medical jargon, angina or angina pectoris is chest pain. Since chest pain has various characteristics, the symptom of coronary heart disease can be identified or observed by knowing the different sensations in the chest areas that an individual is likely to experience.

Men usually feel a wide range of pains in and around the chest. One would have difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath is common. Fullness without eating much, indigestion, a feeling of choking and heartburn are extremely common as symptom of coronary artery disease. Nausea or vomiting are not very common but may happen over time. The pain or discomfort would not be restricted to just the chest area for men and other body parts like left shoulder, neck, jaw, back, arms or stomach can also have the same sensations. When the symptom of coronary artery disease gets severe, cold sweat or normal sweating is very common. It is one of the most defining factors that indicate an impending heart attack. Other sensations that are included in the symptom of coronary artery disease are light-headedness, extreme fatigue, dizziness and anxiety. Rapid heartbeats, slowed down heartbeats and a blend of the two are also very common.

Women experience a slightly different symptom of coronary artery disease. Pain around the chest would be common but more often the discomfort or sense of pressure would be around the jaw and in the arms as well. The upper abdomen region will experience a burning feeling. In case studies conducted all over the world it has been inferred that women would have nausea, fatigue, indigestion, sleep disturbances and various other sensations including burning, tingling, tightness, aches and anxiety as the symptom of coronary artery disease.  

Pulmonary Artery Disease is a form of the general medical condition known as Pulmonary Vascular Disease. Whereas pulmonary vascular disease refers to any disease affecting the blood vessels to or from the lungs, pulmonary artery disease specifically refers to difficulties related to the pulmonary arteries, which carry blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. There are two main sub-types, each of which have their own causes and treatments.

Pulmonary hypertension refers to high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This is potentially more damaging at a lower level than general high blood pressure, because the pressure within these blood vessels is normally so low. Damage to the heart and even the liver can result if unresolved. Pulmonary hypertension can be caused by an auto-immune disease, lung disease, or even heart failure; smoking leads to an increased incidence. Symptoms usually start with gradual, progressive shortness of breath, leading to chest pain or even fainting in advanced stages. It can be diagnosed by a chest x-ray showing enlarged pulmonary arteries, or by “right heart” catheterization, which involves inserting a pressure sensor into the right side of the heart and pulmonary artery. Treatment typically consists of a medication specifically designed to lower pulmonary blood pressure, although in cases where an auto-immune disease or congestive heart failure is the cause, drugs that treat the primary condition will also be used.

Pulmonary embolism results when a blood clot, globule of fat or, rarely, a bubble of air causes a blockage within the smaller arteries within the lungs. If the blockage is large, the embolism can cause chest pain and shortness of breath until re-absorbed by the body. Usually these blockages are small and cause no noticable symptoms other than temporarily elevated heart rate. Occasionally however, a blockage will not be absorbed, which can then lead to gradual, spreading damage to more of the small blood vessels in the lungs, which is then called chronic thromboembolic disease. Embolisms can be detected via CT scan or Ventilation/Perfusion scan. Blood clots are typically treated with a blood thinner. In severe cases, blockages may be cleared through surgery.

Pulmonary artery disease can be mild or major; it all depends on the exact cause. However, left untreated it is always dangerous, since the heart and the lungs are vital. Any time symptoms suggesting a pulmonary disease occur, or if you have a family history, it’s a good idea to be tested so that treatment can start early and keep damage from progressing.

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.