Chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness on one side, a fit or heavy bleeding needs help now, not an appointment.

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Heart and circulation

Coronary Artery Disease

Also called heart problem, heart disease, blockage, cad, heart blockage

What it isSignsWhat to doWhat to avoidFeel betterCall a doctor

What this condition is

Coronary artery disease happens when the small arteries that supply blood to your heart become narrowed by fatty deposits over many years. When the heart muscle does not get enough blood, you may feel chest pain or tightness, especially during effort. This is one of the leading heart conditions in India. Living with it can feel frightening, but with medicines, healthy habits and regular follow up, many people stay active and well. Knowing the warning signs and acting on them quickly is one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself.

Signs to watch for

  • Chest pain, tightness or pressure, often on walking or exertion
  • Pain that may spread to the left arm, shoulder, neck or jaw
  • Breathlessness during activity
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Sweating, nausea or a feeling of unease with chest discomfort

What to do

  • Take all your heart medicines exactly as prescribed
  • Eat a heart friendly diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains
  • Stay gently active within the limits your doctor has advised
  • Keep your blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol under control
  • Attend every follow up and get your tests done on time
  • Learn the warning signs of a heart attack and keep emergency numbers handy

What to avoid

  • Do not ignore chest pain or put off seeking help
  • Avoid fried, oily and very salty foods
  • Do not use tobacco in any form
  • Avoid sudden heavy exertion without your doctor's advice
  • Do not stop your blood thinners or other medicines on your own

Ways to feel better day to day

  • Build activity slowly with short, regular walks
  • Cook with less oil and choose grilling, boiling or steaming
  • Manage stress through relaxation, faith and rest
  • Keep a healthy weight and a regular sleep routine
  • Lean on family and friends, as emotional support truly helps the heart

Speak to a doctor if

  • Chest pain that is severe, lasts more than a few minutes, or comes at rest
  • Pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back with sweating or breathlessness
  • Sudden severe breathlessness
  • Fainting or a racing, irregular heartbeat
  • Any new or worsening chest symptoms

Your next step

Turn this into a plan that is yours

Everything above is general. Your dose, your targets and your test schedule depend on your age, your reports and the other conditions you live with.

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Get care for this

Doctors and care for coronary artery disease

Verified Teleprac doctors you can see online or in a clinic, lab tests with home sample collection, and genuine medicines delivered to your door.

See all conditions

How to use this page. It explains conditions in plain language so that you can take part in your own care and know when to call. It is not a diagnosis and it does not know your age, your pregnancy, your kidney or liver function, or the other medicines you take. Please do not start, stop or change any medicine on your own.

Consult a doctorCardiology

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Emergency numbers in India

Save these in your phone now, not when you need them. Tap any number to call it.

112Any emergencyOne number for police, fire and ambulance across India108AmbulanceFree emergency ambulance in most states and union territories102Pregnancy and newbornAmbulance for mothers and babies in most states14416Mental health supportTele MANAS, free counselling every hour of the day, many languages1800 116 117Poisoning or overdoseNational Poisons Information Centre, AIIMS New Delhi1098Child in distressChildline India, free and confidential

Where to read more

Public health sources written for patients rather than for doctors, and kept up to date.

Ministry of Health and Family WelfareOfficial Indian health programmes, advisories and public guidanceWorld Health Organization health topicsGlobal fact sheets written for the public, on hundreds of topicsNHS health A to ZPlain language pages on symptoms, conditions, tests and treatmentsMedlinePlusPatient information from the United States National Library of MedicineTele MANASIndia's national mental health support service, free and available all day

Important: Everything in Teleprac patient resources is general health education. It does not give you a diagnosis and it cannot replace examination by a qualified doctor, because it does not know your age, your reports, your pregnancy or the other medicines you take. Please do not start, stop or change any medicine on your own. Teleprac Healthcare is not liable for decisions made on the basis of this information. In an emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital immediately.