Signs and Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease


CAD is the narrowing or development of blockage in the coronary arteries that can limit or prevent the flow of blood to your heart. If the heart doesn’t get all the nutrients and oxygen it needs, it can fail.

CAD is the number one killer of women in the United States. American women are four to six times more likely to die of a myocardial infarction than from breast cancer.

We often hear about CAD, but usually it’s about the symptoms that men encounter. However, the Shawnee Mission Heart & Vascular Center has learned during the last several years that women often present with more vague symptoms for CAD and later in life than men do. We have seen many women discharged from ERs with vague symptoms and return only to be diagnosed with a heart attack. The Heart & Vascular Center has done extensive education to prevent this from happening in the future.

Common Signs of a Heart Attack

  • Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest, mild or strong, and can last up to five minutes or may be intermittent.
  • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.


Vague Symptoms

  • Shortness of air (feeling like you can’t get enough)
  • Nausea
  • Feeling faint or woozy
  • Cold sweat
  • Feeling of impending doom
  • Fatigue, “I just don’t feel well.”
  • Decreased tolerance of normal activity


Prevention:

STOP SMOKING OR DON’T START

  • This is the most important health decision you can make.


Control your Blood Pressure

  • Top number <120 Bottom number <80


Control Cholesterol Levels

  • Goal: Total Cholesterol <200
  • LDL(BAD) Low Density <70 If you have CAD, < 100
  • HDL(GOOD) High Density >60 is best
  • Triglycerides <150

Control Your Weight

  • Control your blood glucose.
  • Stay active. Just get up and move.
  • Healthy diet low in fat and cholesterol.


What to Do:

  • If you think you might be having a heart attack go to the nearest emergency department.
  • Maintain a relationship with your primary care physician.