Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
Acute Symptoms Chest tightness, feeling like something heavy is pressing down, like an elephant stepping on you, difficulty in breathing, or feeling tight as if something is wrapped around the body. The pain may radiate to the jaw or shoulder, sweating profusely, clothes become wet. Symptoms last more than 5-10 minutes. If experiencing these symptoms, immediately call the emergency unit at 1669, 1724, and inform them that you have chest tightness and suspect coronary artery disease.
Chronic Symptoms Coronary arteries gradually narrow over time, one small step at a time. Symptoms include easy fatigue, chest pain during exertion such as at home, when climbing stairs, experiencing fatigue, chest pain. Specific symptoms occur during physical activities like walking briskly or carrying heavy objects causing fatigue and chest pain similar to the feeling of being pressed by something heavy, radiating to the jaw and shoulder on either side. Rest and the symptoms subside, typically within 5-10 minutes. If the symptoms recur with exertion, it’s one of the signs of coronary artery disease. Begin to have symptoms, promptly seek medical examination as it can be a warning sign that it might become acute. Severe cases might lead to unconsciousness and heart stop, requiring CPR.
Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease
1. Male gender over 45 years of age
2. Postmenopausal women
3. Diabetes
4. High blood pressure
5. High cholesterol
6. Family history
7. Smoking
Preventable Causes
Know Early >> If not already diagnosed but have risk factors, control those risks by avoiding sugar, fat, and salt.
Annual Health Check-Up >> If high cholesterol begins, consult a doctor. Risk assessment is more varied now, for example, cholesterol level 160 might be equal for two people, yet their personal risks may differ. Some may start medication, others might only need lifestyle adjustments, or both.
Evaluation of Coronary Artery Disease Assess various risks during health check-ups to determine your 10-year coronary heart disease risk and its percentage, 5%, 10%, 20%. If the 10-year risk for coronary heart disease, or stroke is over 20%, it’s considered a high risk, requiring comprehensive care with specialists.
Cholesterol Levels Requiring Medication
If cholesterol test shows LDL (bad cholesterol) over 190, it requires medication without additional risk assessment as young cases of acute coronary artery disease/blockage requiring emergency angioplasty have been noted. For instance, at age 33, a patient needed angioplasty. Smokers might end up with a narrowed artery, be it in the heart, brain, or legs. Consistent annual health checks will benefit you.
Treatment for Coronary Artery Disease If diagnosed with heart disease, evaluation through ECHO, treadmill test, CT Scan, cardiac catheterization and balloon angioplasty may be conducted. For multiple blockages, if angioplasty isn’t possible, bypass surgery might be needed, all while controlling risk factors is best.
For more information, contact
Heart and Brain Center Tel. 034-219600 ext. 8321
Health Information
By Dr. Tinakorn Samret
Cardiologist
