How long do you live with coronary artery disease?

How long do you live with coronary artery disease?

At age 50, the average woman can expect to live 7.9 years with heart disease, while the figure for the average man is 6.7 years. At each age, women are more likely to spend time diagnosed with disease and without a heart attack. Men at every age can expect to spend more years after a heart attack than women.

What is the main cause of coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease is caused by plaque buildup in the wall of the arteries that supply blood to the heart (called coronary arteries). Plaque is made up of cholesterol deposits. Plaque buildup causes the inside of the arteries to narrow over time. This process is called atherosclerosis.

What is the first stage of coronary heart disease?

At first, the decreased blood flow may not cause any symptoms. As plaque continues to build up in your coronary arteries, however, you may develop the following coronary artery disease signs and symptoms: Chest pain (angina). You may feel pressure or tightness in your chest, as if someone were standing on your chest.

How is coronary heart disease detected?

Cardiac CT scan. A CT scan of the heart can help your doctor see calcium deposits in your arteries that can narrow the arteries. If a substantial amount of calcium is discovered, coronary artery disease may be likely.

Can coronary artery disease be cured?

Coronary heart disease cannot be cured but treatment can help manage the symptoms and reduce the chances of problems such as heart attacks. Treatment can include: lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and stopping smoking.

What happens if 3 arteries are blocked?

When one or more of the coronary arteries suddenly becomes completely blocked, a heart attack (injury to the heart muscle) may occur. If the blockage occurs more slowly, the heart muscle may develop small collateral blood vessels (or detours) for other coronary arteries to reroute the blood flow, and angina occurs.

Can stress cause coronary heart disease?

Heart disease is another potential stress-related problem. Stress may lead to high blood pressure, which can pose a risk for heart attack and stroke. Stress also may contribute to such cardiovascular disease risks as smoking, overeating and lack of physical activity.

Is there any cure for coronary artery disease?

A: Although we can't cure heart disease, we can make it better. Most forms of heart disease are very treatable today. There is some evidence that normalizing high blood pressure and lowering cholesterol to very low levels will partially reverse plaques in the coronary arteries.

What is the difference between coronary heart disease and coronary artery disease?

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of heart disease. It is also called coronary artery disease (CAD). CHD is plaque buildup in your arteries. It's known as hardening of the arteries, too.

What is the difference between coronary artery disease and heart disease?

Coronary heart disease is often referred to simply as “heart disease,” although it's not the only type of heart disease. Another term for it is coronary artery disease. About 366,000 Americans died from coronary heart disease in 2015.