Coronary Artery Disease is One of the Leading Causes of Death in the United States.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the number one killer of Americans. High cholesterol is a major cause, and most people did not know they had CAD until the experienced a heart attack, stroke or other medical emergency.

Atherosclerosis is plaque buildup in the arteries, however, you can lower your risk of heart disease with regular exercise. Physical activity can help by lowering your LDL (bad) cholesterol. The good part of exercise is it keeps your weight in control and can raise your HDL (good) cholesterol to help prevent clogged arteries.

Stress management is important, research shows the most common trigger for heart attack involves an emotional upset especially one that involves anger.

Artery disease can occur in the coronary arteries which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. A common symptom is angina or what is commonly referred to chest pain. Angina may also cause pain in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or back.

Peripheral arteries carry blood to the major arteries for the legs, arms and pelvis. If these arteries are blocked it can lead to numbness or pain. Clogged arteries in the legs raise the risk for heart attack or stroke.

Carotid arteries supply the brain with oxygen-rich blood. When plaque narrows or blocks carotid arteries you may experience symptoms of a stroke.

Stroke symptoms may include one or more of the following:

Sudden weakness on numbness of the face or limbs usually on only one side of the body.

Being unable to move one or more of your limbs

Trouble speaking

Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes

Dizziness or loss of balance

A sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Diagnostic Tests

Your healthcare provider can diagnose coronary artery disease from a physical exam, and diagnostic tests which may include one or more of the following:

Blood tests which show fats or cholesterol in your blood.

Electrocardiogram (EKG) that detects the hearts electrical activity.

Echocardiography uses sound waves to create a moving picture of your heart.

Computed Tomography Scan (CT scan) that creates computer-generated pictures and can show hardening or narrowing of the arteries.

Stress Testing, either by physical exercise of medication to make your heart work and beat fast while heart tests are being done.

Angiography uses dye and special X-rays to see inside your arteries to detect blockage or to see the severity of a blockage.

With proper diet, healthy exercise and regular physical check-ups you can lower your risk or prevent heart disease.

To learn more about heart disease you can search on line at:

or 'PAD" in the search box for links to information.

Sources: The P.A.D. Coalition: www.medlineplus.gov; www.padcoalition.org, www.medlineplus.gov.type "heart disease," "artery disease