Coronary artery stenosis refers to the narrowing or constriction of one or more of the coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This condition often occurs due to the buildup of fatty deposits, known as plaques, along the inner walls of the arteries, resulting in reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
When coronary artery stenosis develops, the heart may not receive an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as chest pain or discomfort called angina, shortness of breath, fatigue, or even a heart attack.
The narrowing of the coronary arteries can be caused by various factors, including atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), cholesterol accumulations, inflammation, or the formation of blood clots. Risk factors for developing coronary artery stenosis include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of cardiovascular disease.
Diagnosis of coronary artery stenosis often involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), imaging techniques, such as coronary angiography or computed tomography (CT) scans, and stress tests.
Treatment options for coronary artery stenosis may include lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, and quitting smoking. Medications can be prescribed to control symptoms, lower blood pressure or cholesterol levels, prevent blood clots, or relieve chest pain. In some cases, interventional procedures like angioplasty or stent placement, or even bypass surgery, may be necessary to improve blood flow and prevent complications.
