CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Patient Education: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary Artery Disease, or CAD, happens when the blood vessels that bring blood to your heart get narrow or blocked. This can make it harder for blood to reach your heart. When the heart does not get enough blood, you might feel chest pain or get tired easily.

Causes of CAD

• Build-up of fat, cholesterol, and other things inside the arteries (called plaque)
  
  

• Smoking
  
  

• High blood pressure
  
  

• High cholesterol
  
  

• Diabetes
  
  

• Being overweight
  
  

• Not getting enough exercise
  
  

• Family history of heart disease
  
  

• Stress
  
  

Treatments for CAD

• Medicines to lower cholesterol and blood pressure
  
  

• Medicines to help your heart work better or to prevent blood clots
  
  

• Healthy lifestyle changes like eating better and exercising
  
  

• Sometimes, doctors may do procedures like angioplasty or surgery to open blocked arteries
  
  

Special Diet for CAD

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
  
  

• Limit salt, sugar, and foods high in saturated and trans fats
  
  

• Avoid fried foods and processed snacks
  
  

• Drink plenty of water
  
  

• Limit alcohol
  
  

Special Precautions and Considerations

• Take medicines exactly as your doctor tells you
  
  

• Check your blood pressure and blood sugar if you have diabetes
  
  

• Avoid smoking and being around smoke
  
  

• Stay active with doctor-approved exercises
  
  

• Manage stress with relaxation or hobbies
  
  

Risks of CAD

• Heart attack
  
  

• Heart failure
  
  

• Irregular heartbeats
  
  

• Stroke
  
  

How to Reduce Risks

• Follow your doctor’s advice
  
  

• Eat a healthy diet
  
  

• Exercise regularly
  
  

• Don’t smoke
  
  

• Keep a healthy weight
  
  

• Manage diabetes and blood pressure
  
  

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

• If you feel more tired than usual
  
  

• If you have new or worsening chest pain that goes away with rest or medicine
  
  

• If you have swelling in your legs or ankles
  
  

• If you have shortness of breath that is new or worse
  
  

• If you notice side effects from your medicine
  
  

When to Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room

• Chest pain that does not go away after 5 minutes of rest or after taking medicine
  
  

• Chest pain that spreads to your arm, neck, jaw, or back
  
  

• Sudden trouble breathing or very short breath
  
  

• Sudden weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, or confusion (signs of stroke)
  
  

• Fainting or feeling like you will pass out
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

1. True or False: Coronary artery disease happens when the arteries to the heart get narrow or blocked.
   
   

2. True or False: Smoking can increase the risk of getting coronary artery disease.
   
   

3. True or False: High blood pressure is not related to coronary artery disease.
   
   

4. True or False: Eating lots of fried and fatty foods helps prevent coronary artery disease.
   
   

5. True or False: Medicines can help control symptoms of coronary artery disease.
   
   

6. True or False: You should stop taking your medicines when you feel better without asking your doctor.
   
   

7. True or False: Exercise is important to help manage coronary artery disease.
   
   

8. True or False: Chest pain that goes away with rest is not a reason to call the doctor.
   
   

9. True or False: Sudden chest pain that lasts more than 5 minutes should be treated as an emergency.
   
   

10. True or False: Managing stress can help reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.
    
    

11. True or False: Coronary artery disease can lead to a heart attack.
    
    

12. True or False: Drinking water and eating fruits and vegetables are good for heart health.
    
    

13. True or False: It is safe to smoke a little if you take medicine for coronary artery disease.
    
    

14. True or False: Swelling in the legs and ankles can be a sign of worsening heart disease.
    
    

15. True or False: If you feel sudden weakness or trouble speaking, you should call 911 right away.
    
    

16. True or False: Coronary artery disease only affects older people.
    
    

17. True or False: You should avoid salt and sugar to help your heart.
    
    

18. True or False: Keeping a healthy weight helps lower your risk of heart problems.
    
    

19. True or False: You should always follow your doctor’s advice for your heart condition.
    
    

20. True or False: Shortness of breath that is new or worse may be a sign of heart problems.
    
    

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:
“Have you noticed any chest pain, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue, and when do these symptoms usually happen?”

Activity Impact / Safety:
“How has your heart condition affected what you can safely do in your daily routine, such as walking, climbing stairs, or doing household tasks?”

Treatment Adherence:
“Are you able to take your heart medications as prescribed and follow your doctor’s instructions, and have you had any challenges with them?”

Preventive Measures:
“What changes have you made to your diet, exercise, or lifestyle to help protect your heart and prevent your symptoms from getting worse?”

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911