Coronary artery disease, also known as coronary heart disease, is a condition in which the heart and blood vessels are diseased. The Mayo Clinic says that signs of coronary artery disease include shortness of breath, chest pain (angina), irregular heartbeats, dizziness and fainting. Left untreated, the complications of coronary artery disease can emerge.
Heart Failure
All types of coronary artery disease can lead to heart failure, the Mayo Clinic indicates. Specifically, it says that heart defects, heart infections and an enlarged heart can lead to heart failure. Heart failure refers to the heart's inability to bring blood to the rest of the body. Heart failure symptoms include shortness of breath, swelling of the legs, ankles, feet, trouble concentrating, a poor appetite and nausea. Sometimes, heart failure leads to swelling of the stomach, persistent wheezing or a cough, a rapid or irregular heartbeat and fatigue. Risk factors for developing heart failure include suffering from high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, diabetes and kidney problems. Treating heart failure involves taking medications such as digoxin, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and aldosterone antagonists. Sometimes, heart valves or a pacemaker may be necessary. In some instances, a heart transplant is the last resort for managing heart failure.
Heart Attack
A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, refers to a medical condition in which a fatty substance called cholesterol or a blood clot blocks the major blood vessels going to the heart. This can also stem from coronary artery disease. The Mayo Clinic says that heart attack symptoms include a severe and crushing chest pain that may radiate down one arm, sweating, fainting and shortness of breath. Risk factors for developing a heart attack include using tobacco and suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, a prior heart attack, stress and obesity. Treating a heart attack involves taking aspirin, clot-busting medications, pain relievers, nitroglycerin and beta blockers. Sometimes, a procedure called a coronary bypass or coronary angioplasty is necessary to unblock the clogged vessels.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is another disease that results from coronary artery disease. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says that PAD is a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries of the head, limbs or organs. Specific symptoms of this condition include pain, heaviness or cramping of the legs when walking or climbing up the stairs, a pale blueness to the skin, impotence and a weak or non-existent pulse in the feet or legs. Risk factors for developing peripheral arterial disease include smoking and being older than 50 years old. Treating peripheral arterial disease involves lowering blood pressure and high cholesterol with exercise, diet modification and medications. Sometimes, surgery is necessary for peripheral arterial disease treatment.
