Coronary artery disease (CAD) develops when the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked, most often because of atherosclerosis. Reduced blood flow can cause angina and may lead to a heart attack.
Symptoms
Some people have no symptoms until disease is advanced. Symptoms may include pressure, tightness, squeezing or discomfort in the chest, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, or discomfort that spreads to the arm, shoulder, back, neck or jaw.
When to Get Emergency Help
Call your local emergency number immediately for new or severe chest pressure or pain, especially with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck or jaw. These may be signs of a heart attack.
Risk Factors
Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, diabetes, physical inactivity, excess body weight, increasing age and family history of premature cardiovascular disease.
Diagnosis
Assessment may include a medical history, physical examination, blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), exercise or other stress testing, echocardiography, coronary CT angiography or invasive coronary angiography.
Treatment
Treatment aims to reduce symptoms and prevent heart attack and other complications. It may include lifestyle changes, medicines to control cholesterol, blood pressure, angina or blood clotting risk, and procedures such as coronary angioplasty with stent placement or coronary artery bypass surgery when appropriate.
Reducing Risk
- Do not smoke.
- Manage blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.
- Be physically active as medically appropriate.
- Choose a heart healthy eating pattern.
- Take prescribed medicines as directed.
Sources and Further Reading
Last reviewed: 4 September 2026. This page provides general health information and does not replace individual medical advice.