Overview
Coronary artery disease (CAD), also called ischemic heart disease, is a condition in which the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked. The narrowing is usually due to atherosclerosis—plaque buildup of cholesterol, fat, and other substances. CAD is a major cause of heart attacks and can significantly impact quality of life. South Korea offers advanced cardiac care, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options for CAD.
What is Coronary Artery Disease?
CAD develops when the coronary arteries are partially or fully blocked, reducing oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart. Reduced blood flow can cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, heart attacks, and heart failure. The disease often progresses silently, making early detection essential.
Symptoms
- Chest pain or pressure (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue during exertion
- Palpitations
- Nausea or sweating
- Heart attack symptoms in severe cases, including sudden chest pain, dizziness, and fainting
Causes
- Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Family history of heart disease
Risk Factors
- Age over 45 for men, 55 for women
- Male gender (higher risk before menopause)
- Family history of CAD
- Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke
- High LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Obesity and lack of physical activity
- Stress and poor diet
Complications
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
- Stroke due to embolism
- Sudden cardiac death
Prevention
- Maintain a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat, salt, and sugar
- Regular physical activity (150 minutes/week of moderate exercise)
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
- Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
- Regular medical checkups for early detection
- Manage stress and maintain a healthy body weight
Treatment Options in Korea
South Korea provides advanced care for CAD through highly specialized hospitals and clinics:
- Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiography
- Coronary angiography
- Cardiac CT and MRI
- Blood tests for cardiac biomarkers
- Medications
- Antiplatelet therapy (aspirin, clopidogrel)
- Statins for cholesterol management
- Beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors for blood pressure control
- Nitrates for angina relief
- Medications to manage diabetes
- Interventional Procedures
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stenting
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for severe cases
- Lifestyle and Rehabilitation
- Cardiac rehabilitation programs
- Nutritional counseling and weight management
- Exercise and stress reduction programs
- Smoking cessation support
Leading Hospitals for CAD in Korea:
- Seoul National University Hospital Heart Center
- Samsung Medical Center Cardiology Department
- Asan Medical Center Cardiovascular Clinic
