In the USA, the most common type of heart disease is Coronary artery disease (CAD), and according to the CDC (Centres for Disease Control & Prevention), it is affecting 1 out of 20 (About 5%) Americans aged 20 and older.

Coronary artery disease, the leading cause of heart attacks, does not always occur with crushing chest pain or collapse. In fact, sometimes it comes silently, and many people don’t even know they have it for years until it progresses to a dangerous stage. Knowing the symptoms early and getting a CT heart scan is a key to saving your life.

At ViaScan, we have helped thousands of people diagnose heart disease with our non-invasive scans before it becomes untreatable. Let’s discuss how early screening can help in diagnosing issues before symptoms appear, Allowing you to take early medical interventions. 

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

CAD Occurs when plaque, composed of fats, calcium or cholesterol, builds up in your coronary arteries, Which carry Nutrients-Rich blood to your heart. This Condition, in which your arteries become blocked or narrowed due to the deposition of plaque, Reducing blood flow to the heart is called atherosclerosis.

This will eventually lead to chest pain or heart failure. If arteries are completely blocked, you are at risk of a heart attack. but can you stop coronary artery disease from progressing? Yes, Even after atherosclerosis develops. You can slow its progression with early diagnosis, and certain healthy lifestyle changes.

• Regular Exercise
• Eat a balanced diet
• Quit smoking, and alcohol consumption
• Weight loss
• Manage cholesterol levels
• Manage diabetes if you have it.

However, if you are not taking preventive care, the plaque will continue to grow. It ultimately will block your arteries completely, and this is when the symptoms of coronary artery disease begin to show.

Common symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

Atherosclerosis develops slowly, So people often do not experience any symptoms until it completely blocks their arteries. The most common coronary artery disease symptoms you may experience include:

1. Chest pain

The most common sign of CAD is Angina, Which occurs when the heart does not get enough oxygen. This deprivation of oxygen leads to chest pain or angina. this may feel like pressure in the chest area, accompanied by tightness or pressure. People often experience it while exercising and feels better after taking a rest. However, if it remains consistent, you must consider it a warning and head for a quick heart CT scan.

2. Shortness of breath

This often feels like you are not getting enough air while breathing. Even a slight workout leaves you breathless; This is your sign to consider a coronary scan, As your heart may not be pumping blood efficiently.

3. Fatigue or Tiredness

When you feel a loss of energy even after completing small daily tasks. This is a sign that your heart is not receiving enough nutrient-rich blood, Which affects its functioning. Eventually your body will not receive enough nutrients, making you feels tired all day.

4. Cold Sweats or Dizziness

You may feel dizzy during physical activity or experience cold sweats. These may not be directly related to heart related disease. But are major red flags if they occur during angina or chest pain.

5. Heart Palpitations

If you experience an irregular heartbeat or heart is racing, it may be due to an insufficient blood supply, and oxygen supply to your heart.

6. Other symptoms

You may experience pain or discomfort in areas such as the back, arms, neck, or jaw, or shoulders. Womens are more likely to experience pain in places other than the chest region.

How early screening can help?

Most people don’t even know they have CAD (coronary artery disease) until they experience a heart attack. However, early scanning and diagnosis with a CT angiogram can help:

• Detect deposition early
• Score your coronary calcium levels
• Identify potential blockages

This will give you clarity and a head start for treatment long before the symptoms appears.

At ViaScan, our low-dose and non-invasive CT Scans offer a detailed view of your coronary arteries, and providing insight into your hearts’ health in just a few minutes.

Who should watch for these symptoms?

People often assume that CAD develops only at an older age, but it can also develop in your 30s. You are at risk if you:

1. Have a high cholesterol level 
2. Smoke or were a chain smoker in the past.
3. Are overweight.
4. Have diabetes 
5. Have a family history of heart disease.

How is Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed?

If you fall into any of these categories, An early CT angiogram scan can be Life Saving. From detecting deposition to identifying blockages, these quick CT scans provide a thorough diagnosis blockage before symptoms appear.

When it’s about your heart and you need a diagnosis for coronary artery disease, you must choose a trusted partner. At ViaScan, we offer comprehensive non-invasive low-dose heart scans in Irving, TX, to provide you with a complete view of your heart health. We have helped young people in their 30s and older, as well as those in their 60s, take control of their heart health. Most of them had zero symptoms but major blockages.

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Final Words

Coronary artery disease often develops silently, with no or minimal symptoms, such as chest discomfort, or fatigue. People with a family history of heart disease, diabetes or high cholesterol levels are at major risk. even if you exercise daily or eat a healthy diet, Stress and your genetics can still put you at risk. However with early diagnosis and preventative care you can stay ahead of your heart condition. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen, & get a diagnosis early.