Coronary Artery Disease

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Coronary artery disease is also called CAD. CAD happens when the arteries (blood vessels) in the heart become narrow or blocked. CAD is caused by cholesterol and blood clots that collect inside the arteries. When the arteries get narrow or blocked, oxygen cannot get to the heart muscle. As a result, that part of the heart muscle is damaged. CAD is often the cause of angina, heart attacks, and congestive heart failure.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Aspirin to stop blood clots: Aspirin helps thin the blood to keep blood clots from forming. If you are told to take aspirin, do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead. Do not take more or less aspirin than directed. This medicine makes it more likely for you to bleed or bruise.
  
  
• Nitroglycerin: This medicine may also be called nitro.
  
  
  • Nitroglycerin opens the arteries to your heart so the heart gets more oxygen. After taking nitroglycerin, your pain may get better or go away. Nitroglycerin may give you a headache or make you dizzy. Make sure you are sitting or lying down when you take your nitroglycerin. Also, get up slowly after taking nitroglycerin.
    
    
  • You may get your nitroglycerin as a pill. It also can be put on your body as a patch or paste. If you are taking nitroglycerin pills, put the nitroglycerin pill under your tongue. It slowly melts and moves into your blood. If you are using a nitroglycerin patch or paste, put the patch or paste on your chest, arm, or back. The medicine soaks through your skin and goes into your blood.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Cardiac rehabilitation:

Your primary healthcare provider or cardiologist may recommend that you attend cardiac rehabilitation (rehab). This is a program run by specialists who will help you safely strengthen your heart and prevent more heart disease. The plan includes exercise, relaxation, stress management, and heart-healthy nutrition.  Caregivers will also check to make sure any medicines you are taking are working.  

Wellness hints:

• Manage other medical conditions that you may have, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Because of these conditions, you have a greater chance of having a heart attack.
  
  
• Good nutrition for your heart: Get enough calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals to help prevent poor nutrition and muscle wasting. You may be told to eat foods low in cholesterol or sodium (salt). You also may be told to limit saturated and trans fats. Do eat foods that contain healthy fats, such as walnuts, salmon, and canola and soybean oils. Eat foods that help protect the heart, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, nuts, and sources of fiber. Ask what a healthy weight is for you. Set goals to reach and stay at that weight.
  
  
• Stop drinking alcohol if you have an addiction to it. Binge drinking (drinking a lot at one time) or regularly drinking three or more drinks daily can damage the heart and blood vessels. Ask your caregiver if it is safe for you to drink alcohol.
  
  
• Do not smoke: If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. Ask for information about how to stop smoking if you need help.
  
  
• Manage your stress: Stress may slow healing and lead to illness. Learn ways to control stress, such as relaxation, deep breathing, and music. Talk to someone about things that upset you.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have any questions or concerns about your condition or medicine.
  
  
• You feel light-headed or faint.
  
  
• You feel like your heart is pounding or racing.
  
  
• You are nauseated (feeling sick to your stomach) or are vomiting (throwing up).

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Call 911 or 0 (operator) if you have the following signs or symptoms which may mean you are having a heart attack. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
  
  
  • Crushing chest pressure or discomfort or pain in the chest that spreads to your shoulders, arms, jaw, neck, or back. The pain may be like a burning, squeezing, or heavy feeling. Chest pain may last more than a few minutes or the pain may go away and come back.
    
    
  • Cold sweats or sweating.
    
    
  • Feeling short of breath.
  
  

Learn more about Coronary Artery Disease (Discharge Care)