How Is Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed? What Seniors Should Expect

Written By: Discovery Senior Living
How Is Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed? What Seniors Should Expect

  • For seniors asking, "How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?" the answer is that it involves a multi-step process, starting with a thorough review of one's health history, symptoms, and risk factors. Specific tests will then follow. It may include non-invasive electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress tests, and echocardiograms.

    Knowing whether one has CAD is crucial, as this condition can be fatal if not treated promptly. It's also prevalent; in the U.S., about one in 20 adults aged 20 and older has it, says the U.S. CDC.

    The earlier the CAD diagnosis process begins, the sooner health experts can develop a treatment plan, and the sooner appropriate cardiac care for seniors with this condition can start.

    The team at LakeHouse Cedarburg, our assisted living community in Cedarburg, WI, a city known for its charming, walkable, and well-preserved downtown, has shared insights into heart health screening, CAD diagnosis, and wellness tips. 

    What Are 5 Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease? 

    Coronary artery disease is a condition in which fatty deposits called "plaque" build up in the heart's arteries. Plaque can reduce the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the heart muscle.

    The blockage can then result in the following symptoms.

    1. Chest Pain or Discomfort (Angina)

    Angina is a common indication of CAD, characterized by chest discomfort or pain in the center or left side of the chest. Individuals who experience this often describe it as a feeling of:

    • Aching
    • Pressure
    • Squeezing
    • Tightness

    In many cases, engaging in activity or feeling stressed triggers angina. 

    2. Shortness of Breath

    In seniors with CAD, the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently. As a result, they may experience difficulty catching their breath, particularly when exerting effort. 

    3. Fatigue or Feeling Weak

    Another typical indication of CAD is fatigue, which is unusual tiredness or weakness, even when one hasn't done anything laborious. It results from the heart and the body not getting enough oxygen and nutrient-rich blood. 

    4. Heart Palpitations

    As CAD damages the heart's electrical system due to a lack of oxygen, it can cause heart palpitations. Seniors who experience this may describe the feeling as their heart skipping beats, racing, or pounding.

    5. Pain Affecting Other Areas of the Body

    Coronary artery disease may also cause discomfort or pain that radiates outside the chest. Common areas affected include:

    • The arms, particularly the left
    • Shoulders
    • Neck
    • Jaw
    • Back
    • Upper area of the belly

    Is Coronary Artery Disease Curable? 

    Unfortunately, it isn't curable in the sense that you can completely reverse or eliminate it. Fortunately, it's highly manageable and treatable with protective and healthy lifestyle choices and prescription medications.

    In more severe cases, medical procedures can help. Depending on the severity, health experts may first consider angioplasty and stent placement before going with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). 

    How Is Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed? 

    Reviewing health and family history is the first step health experts use to determine whether a senior in Cedarburg, WI, has CAD. They'll then use diagnostic tools for aging adults, which include tests like EKGs and echocardiograms, for more definitive diagnoses.

    Health and Family History Review

    Diving deep into an older adult's health history is crucial because symptoms, past health problems, and current conditions can reveal underlying vulnerabilities. Examples include high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes. 

    Having a close family member who had or has CAD can also increase one's risk of developing coronary artery disease, says Medical News Today.

    As for risk factors, some of the most common ones include:

    • Hypertension
    • High cholesterol
    • Obesity
    • Being sedentary or inactive
    • Diabetes

    Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes (T2D), is a "major" risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). According to the American Heart Association (AHA), compared to individuals without T2D, those with this condition are more likely to develop and succumb to CVD.

    Diagnostic Tests and Procedures 

    An EKG is a diagnostic tool that can help determine the presence of CAD. It works by monitoring the heart's electrical signals for changes that may indicate damage or ischemia (poor blood flow).

    A stress test is another. It involves testing seniors' heart function under pressure, such as by having them exercise on a bike or a treadmill while hooked up to an EKG. It allows experts to monitor for signs of reduced blood flow, which can indicate CAD.

    An echocardiogram uses ultrasounds to create images of the heart. The pictures can reveal how well the heart pumps and if blockages are causing parts of it to weaken or not move as they should, particularly during exercise. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can You Stop Coronary Artery Disease From Progressing? 

    While seniors in Cedarburg, WI, can't completely prevent or cure CAD since some factors like genetics are out of their control, there are ways to slow down its progression, including making healthier lifestyle choices.

    Quitting smoking is one. So is eating heart-healthy whole foods, such as fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

    Minimizing intake of alcohol can also help. Engaging in regular physical activity is just as crucial. 

    Can Stress Make CAD Worse? 

    Yes. Chronic stress has a significant adverse impact on CAD, as it can trigger inflammation, increase plaque buildup, and raise cholesterol and blood pressure levels. It can even promote unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as a poor diet or smoking.

    Managing stress is therefore crucial for seniors in Cedarburg, WI, even more so for those who already have CAD.

    Older adults can better manage stress by avoiding "stressors" and learning how to adapt to stressful situations. Equally vital is implementing Cedarburg wellness tips, such as engaging in healthy practices like relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation and deep breathing). 

    Get Tested for CAD Today

    Now that you know the answer to the question, "How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?" the next step is to have yourself or an older loved one tested ASAP. Undergoing screening is even more crucial if you have a family history or have already experienced CAD symptoms.

    At LakeHouse Cedarburg, our priority is to help residents live life to the fullest by promoting healthy lifestyle choices. We encourage them to engage in regular physical activity through our dynamic calendar of daily activities. We also emphasize healthy eating with our nutritious yet delicious gourmet dining program.

    Book a tour of our warm and welcoming assisted living community in Cedarburg, WI, today to see for yourself the difference we make in our residents' lives.

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