Getting to Know Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular Disease (heart disease and stroke) is one of the top causes of death in Singapore, accounting for 1 in 3 deaths every year. Indeed, Coronary Artery Disease or ‘CAD’ is one of the most common forms of heart disease that affects individuals today.

Coronary Artery Disease develops when the major blood vessels that supply your heart with blood, oxygen and nutrients (coronary arteries) become damaged, blocked or diseased. Cholesterol deposits (plaque) in your arteries are usually the main causes of artery blockage.

When plaque builds up, it narrows your coronary arteries – thereby decreasing blood flow to your heart. Eventually, the decreased blood flow may cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or other coronary artery disease signs and symptoms. In many cases, a complete blockage can cause a heart attack. As Coronary Artery Disease often develops over decades, many do not notice a problem until they have a significant blockage or a heart attack. Therefore, early intervention makes a large difference in preventing Coronary Artery Disease.