Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a serious condition that affects the heart. It can lead to a heart attack and in some cases, death. That being said, what is the survival rate for coronary artery disease? Unfortunately, there is no one answer to this question.
The survival rate for CAD depends on a variety of factors, including how severe the condition is and how it’s treated. However, with timely diagnosis and proper treatment, the majority of people with CAD can live long and productive lives.
What Is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the buildup of plaque in your coronary arteries. Over time, plaque can harden or rupture (break open). Hardened plaque also reduces blood flow. A ruptured plaque can cause a blood clot to form on the surface of the plaque. If the clot cuts off all blood flow through a coronary artery, it causes a heart attack.
CAD is also called atherosclerotic heart disease or coronary heart disease. It’s the most common type of heart disease in the United States and one of the leading causes of death for both men and women.
The good news is that CAD can be prevented, and often reversed with lifestyle changes and medical treatment.
What are the Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease?
The symptoms of CAD may differ from person to person, and they may also depend on how severe the disease is. Some people with CAD may not experience any symptoms at all. However, for others, CAD can lead to chest pain or a heart attack.
The most common symptom of CAD is chest pain or angina. Angina is usually described as a pressing or squeezing sensation in the chest that can spread to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. It often occurs during physical activity or emotional stress and goes away with rest or nitroglycerin.
Other symptoms of CAD can include shortness of breath, fatigue, lightheadedness or dizziness, and nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible.
CAD often has no signs or symptoms, especially in its early stages. That’s why it’s important to get regular checkups, so your doctor can detect CAD before it leads to more serious problems, such as a heart attack or stroke.
There are many things that can increase your risk for CAD, including:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High blood cholesterol levels
- Cigarette smoking
- Diabetes mellitus
- Being overweight or obese
- Family history of CAD
- Older age (men age 45 and older, women age 55 and older)
- Sedentary lifestyle
CAD can also lead to a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to the heart muscle is cut off. This can cause the heart muscle to die. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or pressure that does not go away, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and vomiting.
Heart attacks can be deadly, so it is important to seek medical help right away if you think you may be having one.
Coronary Artery Disease Statistics
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of death in the United States. About 18.2 million American adults suffer from CAD, and it killed more than 370,000 people in 2019.
So, what is the coronary artery disease survival rate? Each year, around 800,000 Americans suffer from heart attacks, and for three out of four, it will be their first time. Around 12 percent of people that have a heart attack will end up dying from it, and it is more prevalent in men than women. However, not as many men die from heart attacks, with 26 percent of women dying within a year compared to 19 percent of men.
After five years, up to 50 percent of women will not survive their heart attack, have a stroke, or heart failure, compared to 36 percent of men.
Looking For More Information on Heart Conditions and Treatment Options?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The survival rate for CAD depends on a number of factors, including how early the condition is diagnosed and treated. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for people who suffer from CAD, and recent advances in medical technology have made it possible to treat even advanced cases of the disease.
In some cases, however, surgery may not be an option, and patients may need to consider flow therapy as an alternative treatment method. Flow therapy has been shown to be effective in treating symptoms that stem from CAD and other heart conditions, and it can help improve the quality of life for those who suffer from these diseases. Reach out to us to learn more about this treatment option or check out our additional resources on heart conditions.
