Coronary artery disease (CAD) can reduce people’s life expectancy. However, this depends on various factors, including the severity of the condition, treatment efficacy, and whether the person has other underlying conditions.

CAD, which doctors also commonly call coronary heart disease or ischemic heart disease, can decrease a person’s life expectancy. However, this depends on various factors, such as age, whether the person has other conditions, and whether treatment and lifestyle changes are effective.

This article will review the life expectancy for people with CAD. It will also explore symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle changes that can help with symptom management and reduce the risk of further cardiovascular damage.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

Person with an açaí bowlShare on Pinterest
Fly View Productions/Getty

Various factors, such as the timing of diagnosis, the severity of the condition, and the effectiveness of treatment, influenceTrusted Source life expectancy for individuals with CAD. According to the American Heart Association, CAD may shorten life expectancy by approximately 10 yearsTrusted Source.

Adopting heart-healthy lifestyle changes and receiving appropriate treatment can help improve and extend life expectancy.

What is CAD?

CAD is a condition in which the heart’s arteries cannot supply sufficient oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. Doctors also call it coronary artery disease or ischemic heart disease.

Around 20.5 million adultsTrusted Source in the United States have CAD, making it the most prevalent form of heart disease in the country.

CAD affects the larger arteries on the heart’s surface, while another type of heart disease, called coronary microvascular disease, affects the smaller arteries within the heart muscle. Coronary microvascular disease tends to be more common in females.

Learn more about CAD.

The most commonTrusted Source symptom of CAD is chest discomfort or pain, called angina. However, people may experience other symptoms, such as:

If a person experiences angina or any other symptoms of CAD, they should speak with a doctor.

A doctor can determine the underlying cause of symptoms. If a person has CAD, the doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment and, if needed, lifestyle changes to address and reduce symptoms while preventing further health complications.

Atherosclerosis, a gradual buildup of plaque in the arteries, is the primaryTrusted Source cause of CAD. When plaque accumulates in the coronary arteries, restricting the blood flow to the heart, the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients. This can result in angina and increases the risk of a heart attack.

Plaque, made of cholesterol, waste products, calcium, and fibrin, narrows and stiffens the arteries. People with plaque buildup in their coronary arteries may have similar accumulations in other arteries, leading to conditions such as carotid artery disease and peripheral artery disease.

Risk factors for CAD includeTrusted Source a family history of early heart disease, particularly if a male relative received a diagnosis before the age of 55 or a female relative received one before turning 65.

Age also increases the risk of CAD. Males over the age of 45 and females over 55 have a higher risk of developing CAD.

Other major risk factors are:

If a person has a high risk of heart disease or shows symptoms, a doctor may use various tests to diagnose CAD, includingTrusted Source:

  • Echocardiogram: This uses ultrasound technology to create images of the heart.
  • Chest X-ray: This provides images of the lungs, heart, and chest organs.
  • ECG/EKG: An ECG assesses the heart’s electrical activity, rate, and rhythm.
  • Coronary angiogram: This uses X-rays to observe blood flow and blockages after a dye injection.
  • Exercise stress test: This test monitors heart rate and function during physical activity.
  • Coronary artery calcium scan: This is a CT scan that detects calcium and plaque buildup in the coronary arteries.
  • Cardiac catheterization: This involves inserting a thin tube into an artery to check for blockages, measure blood pressure, and inject dye to view arteries.

Treatment of CAD depends on symptom severity and any additional health conditions a person has.

Medications can help manage symptoms, improve cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and address related conditions. This may includeTrusted Source:

  • Calcium channel blockers and nitrates: Calcium channel blockers and nitrates relax and widen blood vessels to alleviate chest pain.
  • ACE inhibitors and beta blockers: ACE inhibitors and beta blockers reduce blood pressure and heart strain.
  • Ranolazine: Ranolazine treats chest pain from coronary microvascular disease.
  • Statins and nonstatins: Statins lower cholesterol and slow plaque buildup. If statins are not sufficient, doctors may also prescribe PCSK9 inhibitors.
  • Triglyceride-lowering medications: These include fibrates, omega-3s, and niacin.

For conditions such as diabetes and obesity, doctors may prescribe medications, including blood sugar regulators and weight management drugs, alongside diet and exercise.

In severe cases, the following procedures or surgeries may be necessary:

  • Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI): During a PCI, a doctor opens blocked arteries, sometimes using stents to maintain blood flow.
  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): This involves using healthy arteries and veins to bypass blockages, reducing heart attack risk.
  • Other surgical options: These include laser revascularization, coronary endarterectomy, and bariatric surgery for those with obesity to lower heart disease risk.

A person cannot reverse coronary artery disease, but it is possible to effectively manage it to prevent further progression.

Collaborating with a healthcare professional and adhering to a prescribed treatment plan is crucial for maintaining the best possible health and quality of life. Outcomes differTrusted Source from person to person.

Leading a heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent CAD and reduce the risk of further complications in people with cardiovascular disease. This may includeTrusted Source:

  • Eating a nutritious diet: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing sodium, saturated fats, added sugars, and alcohol.
  • Quitting smoking: Smoking damages and constricts blood vessels, increasing heart disease risk.
  • Engaging in regular physical activity: Regular exercise can help manage risk factors, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity. However, a person should consult a doctor to determine an appropriate level of physical activity to avoid exerting their heart.
  • Reducing stress: Effective stress management and relaxation techniques can improve physical and emotional health, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
  • Prioritizing quality sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for heart and vascular repair. Issues with sleep quality raise the risk of heart disease and other health concerns. People should aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep every night.
  • Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol: Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol within healthy ranges is critical to avoid cardiovascular complications.
  • Managing blood sugar levels: High blood glucose can damage blood vessels. Limiting added sugar intake can lower heart disease risk.
  • Reaching and maintaining a moderate weight: Having a moderate weight for their body type can help people manage risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) can significantly affect life expectancy, potentially shortening it by around 10 years. Factors affecting a person’s outlook include age, co-occuring conditions, and the effectiveness of treatment and lifestyle changes.

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and receiving appropriate medical treatment is essential for managing CAD and improving overall health outcomes.