When coronary artery disease, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. It's also known as atherosclerotic heart disease, it's the number one reason people have heart attacks in the U.S. Every year, nearly 18 million adults face new or recurrent heart events because of it.
This isn't just about clogged pipes—it's about how your lifestyle, genetics, and other health conditions feed the problem. High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol all make coronary artery disease worse. So do smoking, inactivity, and chronic stress. Doctors use tools like the ASCVD score to predict your 10-year risk of a heart attack or stroke. That number isn't just a statistic—it tells you whether you need a statin, aspirin, or a major lifestyle shift.
Once coronary artery disease is diagnosed, treatment often starts with medications. Hypertension medications help lower blood pressure to reduce strain on the heart. Dual antiplatelet therapy—usually aspirin plus clopidogrel—is common after stents to keep clots from forming. But these drugs aren't risk-free. They can cause bleeding, especially if mixed with supplements like garlic or NSAIDs. That's why knowing what you're taking—and why—is critical.
What you'll find here aren't just general articles. These are real, practical guides written for people living with heart disease or managing risk factors. You'll learn how to interpret your ASCVD score, what to watch for when taking blood thinners, how statins interact with HIV meds, and why some heart patients need to change how they take their pills after surgery. No fluff. No theory without application. Just what you need to stay safe, understand your treatment, and talk smarter with your doctor.
