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Living With and Managing Coronary Artery Disease

Aug 13, 2011

This video—presented by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health—describes coronary artery disease (CAD), its symptoms and complications, and ways to manage CAD risk factors.

CAD, also called coronary heart disease, is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. CAD occurs if plaque builds up in the arteries of the heart. Plaque narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. This can lead to angina (chest pain or discomfort), a heart attack, heart failure, or arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).

The good news is that lifestyle changes and medicines can help control CAD risk factors and prevent or delay the disease. Lifestyle changes include quitting smoking, following a healthy eating plan, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active.

For more information about living with and managing CAD, go to the Health Topics Coronary Heart Disease article.

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