Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. It is caused by the hardening and narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to heart muscles.
This is due to the build-up of cholesterol and other material, called plaque, on their inner walls. The plaques in the coronary arteries can lead to the formation of tiny clots that can obstruct the flow of blood to the heart muscle, producing symptoms and signs of CAD, including chest pain, heart attack and sudden death.
Signs and Symptoms of Coronary Heart disease
Classic signs and symptoms of Coronary Heart disease may include:
- Chest pain– And this pain may move to the arm, neck or back, jaw and ears.
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Irregular heartbeat
- coughing
- dizziness
- shortness of breath
However, other people may have signs and symptoms of indigestion, or exercise intolerance where they cannot perform activities that they normally once could.
Treatment of Coronary Heart disease
There is no cure for the disease. However, it can be managed.
Treatment for Coronary Heart disease depends upon its severity. Often lifestyle changes such as changing to a healthy diet, exercising regularly, stopping smoking and controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes are encouraged.
Other people are required to take medications or to undergo medical procedures
Source – MedicineNET & Medical News Today
SAMWUMED cover for Coronary Heart disease
Fortunately, SAMWUMED covers its members on both Option A and Option for Coronary Heart disease as part of Chronic Disease cover. To access the benefit members have to be registered.
How to register and obtain medication for a chronic condition
Your treating doctor will need to call our Managed Care Provider, Medscheme on:
0860 33 33 87 to register your Chronic Medication.
