Coronary artery disease is a common heart condition that many people are struggling to overcome. With this health complication, the major blood vessels supplying the heart struggle to send enough blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the heart muscle. Cholesterol deposits in the heart arteries and inflammation are usually the cause of coronary artery disease.

Unfortunately, some symptoms of blocked arteries may go unrecognized at first, or they may only occur when the heart is beating hard like while exercising. Among the common coronary artery disease signs and symptoms include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, and heart attack.

With chest pain (angina), you may feel pressure or tightness in your chest. Some people say it feels like someone is standing on their chest. The chest pain usually occurs on the middle or left side of the chest. Activity or strong emotions can trigger chest pain. Fortunately, the pain usually goes away within minutes after the triggering event ends.

So, when should you see a medical practitioner? In the event you think you’re having a heart attack, immediately call 911 or reach out using your local emergency number. If you don’t have access to emergency medical services, it is highly recommended that you have someone drive you to the nearest hospital.

It is worth noting that smoking or having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, or a strong family history of heart disease, then it might make you more likely to get coronary artery disease. If you’re at a high risk of coronary artery disease, be sure to talk to your health care provider.

When it comes to the causes, coronary artery disease starts when fats, cholesterols and other substances collect on the inner walls of the heart arteries. This condition is commonly referred to as atherosclerosis. The build is called plaque, which can cause the arteries to narrow blocking blood flow.

So, how can you prevent this health complication? Well, the same lifestyle habits used to help treat coronary artery disease can also help prevent it. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help keep the arteries strong and clear of plaque.

To improve your heart health, it is highly recommended that you quit smoking, control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It doesn’t end at that since you must make it the norm to exercise often and maintain a healthy weight.