what is cad medical

CAD stands for Coronary Artery Disease, which is a condition that affects the heart. It is the most common type of heart disease in the United States and is caused by plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This buildup is called atherosclerosis and can cause the arteries to narrow, decreasing blood flow to the heart. Cholesterol deposits, or plaques, are almost always to blame for this condition. CAD typically takes a long time to develop and can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or even a heart attack. Some people may not have any symptoms until they experience a heart attack, which is why CAD is sometimes referred to as a "silent killer". There are several risk factors for CAD, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a family history of heart disease. Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking, can help reduce the risk of developing CAD.