Blood flows easily through healthy arteries because they are smooth, elastic and strong. As we age, fatty deposits called plaque build up inside artery walls. Atherosclerosis is the medical term for plaque build-up. Eventually, an artery can become so narrowed with plaque that the area past the blockage cannot get enough of the oxygen-rich blood it needs to function.

• Plaque build-up in the arteries that feed the heart is called coronary artery disease (CAD). It can cause angina and heart attack.
• If the arteries near the brain are affected, plaque build-up can cause a stroke (brain attack).
• Plaque build-up in the legs causes poor circulation (peripheral arterial disease). This can cause pain, especially when walking.

Some people are naturally more susceptible to plaque build-up because of their family history. Blockages can also occur as the result of smoking, high blood pressure, a high fat diet, diabetes, lack of exercise or stress. Not all people who have artery disease have discomfort or pain. Some people experience fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats or a feeling of heaviness in their arms.

Though CAD is a serious condition, there are many treatments. Contact a Banner Heart Treatment Center if you think you are experiencing symptoms of CAD.

Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease
As plaque builds up, it becomes more difficult for oxygen-rich blood to get through the coronary arteries to the heart muscle. Because your heart doesn’t get enough oxygen, you may feel discomfort or pain. Your doctor may diagnose this condition as angina or angina pectoris (chest pain).

Angina is a warning sign, or symptom, of coronary artery disease. Angina may feel different from one person to another. Your own symptoms and the frequency of your angina may be different from one time to the next.

Common angina symptoms

• You might feel this discomfort anywhere in your upper body, including your jaw, neck, shoulders, chest, upper back, or arms.
• The discomfort may be a feeling of fullness, heaviness, pressure, burning, numbness, tingling, tightness, soreness or pain. Some people confuse the discomfort with indigestion.
• Angina discomfort is temporary. Chest discomfort or pain during an angina attack usually lasts less than 5 minutes and will go away with rest and/or medication.
  • Exercise, stress, a full stomach, smoking or cold temperatures can bring on an attack of angina.
  • It can also occur for no apparent reason. Sometimes angina will disappear on its own if you sit down and relax.

If you are experiencing chest discomfort or another symptom that you beleive to be angina, contact a Banner Heart Treatment Center to be diagnosed by an expereienced cardiac physician.