Obstructive coronary artery disease (OCAD) is a type of heart disease. It occurs when plaque builds up in the large coronary arteries. OCAD can lead to complications, including heart attacks.

However, people can take steps to help reduce their risk of developing the condition and further complications.

This articles explores the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of OCAD in more detail. It also discusses the potential outlook for people with OCAD and tips to help prevent the condition.

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The main causeTrusted Source of OCAD is atherosclerosis, which is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to plaque building upTrusted Source on the artery walls.

Plaque is made up of the following:

Plaque can reduce blood flow and increase the risk of blood clots.

What is the difference between OCAD and NOCAD?

OCAD is one type of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Both types affect the large coronary arteries, which are located on the surface of the heart. However, unlike OCAD, NOCAD does not involve a significant buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries.

Instead, NOCAD usually occurs due to issues with how the arteries work. For example, damage to the coronary artery walls may cause them to suddenly tighten and temporarily narrow. This can block blood flow to the heart.

In many cases, people do not noticeTrusted Source any symptoms of OCAD until they experience a complication, such as an ischemic stroke or heart attack.

In some cases, a person may notice episodes of angina as OCAD progresses. Angina occursTrusted Source due to restriction in the flow of oxygenated blood into the heart.

Angina may cause the following feelings in the chest:

  • pressure
  • squeezing
  • tightness
  • burning

However, angina can also be a symptom of a heart attack. If a person notices possible symptoms of a heart attack, they should call 911 immediately.

Is it a heart attack?

Heart attacks occur when there is a lack of blood supply to the heart. Symptoms include:

  • chest pain, pressure, or tightness
  • pain that may spread to arms, neck, jaw, or back
  • nausea and vomiting
  • sweaty or clammy skin
  • heartburn or indigestion
  • shortness of breath
  • coughing or wheezing
  • lightheadedness or dizziness
  • anxiety that can feel similar to a panic attack

If someone has these symptoms:

  1. Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.
  2. Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.

If a person stops breathing before emergency services arrive, perform manual chest compressions:

  1. Lock fingers together and place the base of hands in the center of the chest.
  2. Position shoulders over hands and lock elbows.
  3. Press hard and fast, at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, to a depth of 2 inches.
  4. Continue these movements until the person starts to breathe or move.
  5. If needed, swap over with someone else without pausing compressions.

Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) available in many public places:

  1. An AED provides a shock that may restart the heart.
  2. Follow the instructions on the defibrillator or listen to the guided instructions.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteTrusted Source recommends people start getting CAD screening and risk assessments around the age of 20.

Children with the following risk factors may also require CAD screening:

  • obesity
  • lack of physical activity
  • a family history of heart problems

During a CAD screening appointment, a doctor may:

If someone has symptoms or a family history of CAD, a healthcare professional may also recommend some of the following diagnostic tests:

TreatmentTrusted Source can range from lifestyle modifications and medications to surgical procedures, depending on the severity of someone’s OCAD and their overall health.

Lifestyle changes

A healthcare professional may recommend a person with OCAD:

Medications

Medications a doctor may prescribeTrusted Source to treat OCAD include:

They may also prescribe medications to help lower cholesterol and manage blood pressure and weight.

Surgery

In some cases, a healthcare professional may recommend a person with OCAD has surgical procedures, such as:

The outlook for a person with OCAD will dependTrusted Source on their overall health and other factors, such as:

  • age
  • sex assigned at birth
  • family history and genetics
  • dietary and smoking habits
  • whether they take medications as a doctor advises
  • socioeconomic factors, such as their income and the availability of healthcare in their area
  • the number of arteries affected by atherosclerosis

Individuals with OCAD should speak with a doctor about their individual outlook.

People should also note that, according to the AHA, complicationsTrusted Source of OCAD include heart attacks and ischemic strokes. Both of these events can be life threatening and may result in chronic health problems.

People can help preventTrusted Source OCAD by:

  • eating a cardiac diet
  • exercising regularly
  • maintaining a healthy weight
  • quitting smoking, if applicable
  • managing stress
  • getting enough sleep
  • checking their blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly
  • managing their blood sugar levels
  • taking medications to treat any underlying conditions, as instructed by a healthcare professional

Cardiovascular health resources

Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on cardiovascular health.

Obstructive coronary artery disease is a type of heart disease that occurs due to atherosclerosis.

Sometimes, a person with OCAD may notice episodes of angina. However, in many cases, a person may not know they have OCAD until they experience complications, such as a heart attack.

Angina is one possible symptom of a heart attack. Others include shortness of breath, anxiety that may feel similar to a panic attack, and lightheadedness. People should call 911 immediately if they think someone is experiencing a heart attack.

Doctors may treat OCAD with lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgical procedures. A person should visit a healthcare professional to find out more about their risk of developing OCAD.