What is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as ischemic heart disease, occurs when the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or clogged due to the buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits on the inner walls of the arteries. This condition is called atherosclerosis. The arteries then develop lesions or plaques in the inner lining of the artery which decreases blood flow to the heart.
Risk Factors for CAD
There are several factors that increase the risk of developing CAD including age, gender, family history, lifestyle habits like smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and diabetes. The risk is also higher in people who are overweight or obese. Other risk factors include physical inactivity, excessive consumption of alcohol and unhealthy diet high in saturated and trans fats. Genetics also plays a role in increasing the risk in some individuals. Certain genes determine cholesterol levels and increase in “bad” LDL cholesterol or decrease in “good” HDL cholesterol inherited from parents increases the risk of developing CAD.
Symptoms of CAD
Coronary Artery Disease Therapeutics has few warning signs in early stages but becomes more evident as the blockages increase and limit blood flow to the heart. The common symptoms include chest pain or discomfort known as angina which occurs with activity and goes away with rest. The pain may radiate to the left arm, neck, jaw or back. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, sweating and fatigue during physical exertion. In severe cases, CAD can lead to heart attack which is a medical emergency.
Diagnosing CAD
The physician performs a physical examination and takes medical history of any risk factors and symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. Several non-invasive tests are done to check the extent of blockages in the coronary arteries. The commonly used diagnostic tests are electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, cardiac stress test, coronary angiography and computed tomography angiography. These tests check heart functioning, blood flow, heart structure and presence of plaque buildup. Blood tests to check cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular risk markers are also part of diagnosis.
Treatment Options for CAD
Treatment depends on the extent and severity of blockages and symptoms. Lifestyle modifications are recommended for all which include following a heart-healthy diet, increasing physical activity, managing stress, stopping smoking and controlling cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Medications prescribed are statins to lower cholesterol, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers to control blood pressure and angina, aspirin to prevent clots. In severe cases requiring revascularization, the treatment procedures are angioplasty to open blockages and restore blood flow percutaneously or coronary artery bypass grafting to redirect blood flow surgically around blockages. Heart attack patients require procedures like stent implantation or bypass surgery on an emergency basis along with medications.
Economic Burden of CAD
CAD has become a major public health issue and causes huge economic burden. It is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide with over 18 million deaths annually according to WHO. In the US alone, over 655,000 deaths occur every year due to heart diseases, majority due to CAD. It is an expensive chronic condition to manage over a lifetime as many patients require long term medical care, multiple hospitalizations and invasive procedures. The total cost of CAD in the US as per American Heart Association estimates is over 300 billion dollars annually including health expenditures and lost productivity. This loss has significant negative impact on the economy and burden on public health system. Preventive strategies can help control the rising incidence, healthcare costs and improve quality of life.
Impact on Workplace
The impact of CAD is seen not just in increased individual healthcare costs but also takes an economic toll on the workplace productivity and employer bottom lines. CAD is a leading cause of absenteeism from work resulting in loss of man-hours as many employees miss work due to doctor visits, tests, procedures and recovery from cardiovascular events. Presenteeism costs are also high when employees work but with reduced productivity due to limitations of their medical condition and symptoms. This indirectly increases costs for employers due to compromised work quality and efficiency. CAD-related hospitalizations, cardiac procedures and premature deaths also contribute significantly towards rising healthcare premiums faced by employers. Keeping employees heart-healthy with wellness programs can help reduce absenteeism, presenteeism issues and associated economic losses for businesses and corporations.
Role of Prevention in Reducing CAD Burden
Effective measures to prevent and control the major risk factors of CAD are the need of the hour. Community-based lifestyle modification programs promoting heart healthy nutrition, regular exercise and stress management; smoking cessation drives; public education campaigns to raise awareness about heart health; screening high risk populations and early detection of asymptomatic disease can all play a vital part in fighting the growing burden of CAD. Employers supporting workplace wellness measures helps in this direction. With advancing medical treatments available, focus should also be on primordial and primary prevention strategies at the population level to curb the rising incidence and lower the socio-economic impact of this chronic condition. This will not only save many lives but also billions of dollars in long term healthcare costs and productivity losses annually. A multi-pronged preventive approach is thus crucial to tackle this enormous public health challenge.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc.
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