Coronary Artery Disease

This is the most common symptom of CAD. It can feel like pressure or tightness in your chest as if someone were standing on you. It’s also described as a burning or squeezing sensation. These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn. The pain usually occurs on the middle or left side of the chest. It is often triggered by physical or emotional stress and may go away within a few minutes of the stress stopping. Some people describe the pain as brief or sharp. You can also feel pain in your arms, top of the abdomen, neck or back, which is more common among women than men. 

You may also feel exhausted after being active. This can happen with or without chest pain.  

Severe, crushing chest pain or pain radiating up the arm into the neck and chest could be symptoms of a heart attack. It may be accompanied by shortness of breath and sweating. Call 000 (triple zero) immediately if you think you may be having a heart attack.

• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Back pain
• Jaw pain
• Upper abdominal pain

Some of these symptoms may be more common among women than men. Never ignore any of the symptoms, especially if pain is severe. Call 000 (triple zero) if you’re concerned.

Smoking: People who smoke have a significantly increased risk of heart disease.

High cholesterol: High cholesterol can increase the risk of plaque in the arteries, as well as a thickening and hardening of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. Work with your GP to reach your target cholesterol.

High blood pressure: If high blood pressure isn’t controlled, it can lead to a hardening and thickening of the arteries. Work with your GP to set a personalised target blood pressure.

Being overweight: Having a BMI of over 25 can typically increase the risk of heart disease.

Sedentary lifestyle: Not being active is associated with heart disease. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise daily to reduce your risk. Even light exercise like slow-paced walking can make a significant difference

Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes significantly increases your risk of developing heart disease. Your doctor may advise you to aim for lower blood pressure and cholesterol targets. Making the recommended lifestyle changes can positively impact the severity of both coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes

High stress: High stress may damage your arteries as well as increase other risk factors. Finding a way to manage your stress levels can help reduce your risk

Sleep apnoea: This disorder causes you to stop and start breathing during sleep. This can increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system, possibly leading to coronary artery disease. Your GP can help you manage sleep apnoea

Unhealthy diet: High amounts of saturated fat, trans fat, salt and sugar increase the risk of coronary artery disease. It’s important to eat a balanced diet and watch your calories!!

Excessive alcohol consumption: This is known to increase the risk of heart disease.

Age: The risk of CAD increases with age, with men slightly more at risk from 45 and women from 55.

Family history of premature heart disease: If you have a first-degree relative classified with heart disease before the age of 60, this increases your risk.

Gender: There is a small increased risk of heart disease in males.

Autoimmune diseases: People with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other inflammatory conditions have an increased risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

Preeclampsia: This pregnancy condition causes high blood pressure and can lead to a higher risk of heart disease later in life.