Coronary artery disease, or CAD, is the result of plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. It causes symptoms like chest pain, and can lead to life-threatening blood clot–related events like a heart attack or stroke. Treatments for coronary artery disease include procedures like coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) or stent implantation. But your doctor may also prescribe blood thinners to help reduce your risk for blood clots that can cut off blood and oxygen to your heart, causing a heart attack, or to your brain, causing a stroke.
This information is just a start—learning all you can about your condition is an important step in your journey. It may help you make sense of what’s happening in your body, guide your approach to treatment, and inform the health decisions you make next. Keep going with some of the content below.
CAD Risk Factors
Understand the risk factors that contribute to the development and progression of CAD.
CAD Symptoms & Tests
Get familiar with the symptoms of CAD and what tests healthcare professionals may use to diagnose you.
CAD Treatment Options
Learn how CAD is treated—from prescription medicines to surgical procedures.