Coronary Vascular Disease is the underlying condition for stroke and heart attacks. Coronary Vascular disease is silent until people present with Angina, heart attack, stroke or sudden death. Coronary Vascular Disease (CVD) can be prevented and picked up early (at least 10 years before the problems occur) with CT angiogram and Carotid Doppler ultrasound.
CT Angiogram is a valuable tool for people at risk of Coronary Heart Disease. CT angiogram measures directly the risk of Coronary Heart Disease (plaques in the heart) and the presence of blockage of the arteries.
Carotid Doppler ultrasound is a simple non-invasive test which can detect plaques in the carotids (main arteries to the brain) and as such detect risk for strokes. It should be done for both men and women from the age of 50 and every two years.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) also known as atherosclerotic heart disease, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, or ischemic heart disease (IHD), is the most common type of heart disease and cause of heart attacks. The disease is caused by plaque building up along the inner walls of the arteries of the heart, which narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart.
While the symptoms and signs of coronary artery disease are noted in the advanced state of disease, most individuals with coronary artery disease show no evidence of disease for decades as the disease progresses before the first onset of symptoms, often a “sudden” heart attack, finally arises. Symptoms of stable ischaemic heart disease include angina (characteristic chest pain on exertion) and decreased exercise tolerance.
Unstable IHD presents itself as chest pain or other symptoms at rest, or rapidly worsening angina. The risk of artery narrowing increases with age, smoking, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, and is more common in men and those who have close relatives with CAD. Other causes include coronary vasospasm, a spasm of the blood vessels of the heart, it is usually called Prinzmetal’s angina.
