What Is Heart Disease?
Heart disease, or coronary artery disease (CAD), affects the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle. These arteries become narrowed or blocked due to fat (cholesterol) and calcium buildup inside, which forms plaque. This process is called hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis. Plaque buildup in the coronary arteries reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. Poor blood flow to the heart muscle is called ischemia.

Symptoms of Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)
The most common symptom of coronary artery disease is angina, or chest pain. Angina can be described as a discomfort, heaviness, pressure, aching, burning, fullness, squeezing, or painful feeling in your chest. It can be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn. Angina is usually felt in the chest, but may also be felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, throat, jaw, or back.

Other symptoms of coronary artery disease include:

• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations (irregular heart beats, skipped beats, or a "flip-flop" feeling in your chest)
• A faster heartbeat
• Weakness or dizziness
• Nausea
• Sweating

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you could have coronary artery disease and should see a doctor. Call 336-718-7010 to find a doctor in your area. If symptoms are severe, call 9-1-1.