Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries. The plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol and other substances, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis results, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the heart. Blood clots may form to partially or completely block blood flow. Heart disease can lead to serious and potentially fatal conditions.
Heart Attack
When blood flow is completely blocked off from the heart, a heart attack results because the heart muscle is not receiving oxygen-rich blood, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute explains. The heart muscle can die and lead to death without emergency medical treatment. Heart attack symptoms include chest discomfort or crushing pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, sweating or an overall ill feeling. The pain often starts in the chest and spreads to the neck, jaws, ears and arms. The pain can be constant or come and go.
Heart Failure
Advanced coronary artery disease may result in heart failure or arrhythmias, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Many patients have had heart problems or bypass surgery in the past and still are at risk for heart failure with treatment. They continue to suffer from chest pain. Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump the necessary amount of blood throughout the body. Arrhythmias cause a change in the speed or rhythm of the heartbeat.
Angina
A decreased supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart can lead to chest pain or angina. The pain can get worse during or after physical activity. Symptoms include a squeezing, heaviness or tightening in the chest starting behind the breastbone, according to Medical News Today. Pain may spread to the neck, jaws, arms, shoulders or back. Symptoms may also feel like indigestion or heartburn. Weakness, sweating and shortness of breath may occur. Stable angina lasts for a short period and often results from exercise. It develops into a regular pattern. Unstable angina may be caused by blood clots and occurs at rest. Symptoms may get worse over time. Variant angina occurs during rest when a spasm develops in an artery, reducing blood supply to the heart. Angina is usually treated with medication.
Stent Restenosis
Stents are implanted in some heart disease patients to open blood vessels and allow for more blood flow. Sometimes the stents can collapse, resulting in stent restenosis and blood flow blockage. Medical treatment is needed to open the vessels again.
