Yes, it is possible to have coronary artery disease (CAD) and not know it. In the early stages, CAD may not cause any symptoms. As the plaque continues to build up and curbs blood flow to the heart muscle, you may notice that you're short of breath or fatigued, especially during exercise. The most common symptom of CAD is angina, or chest pain.
However, some people with CAD may not experience any symptoms until they have a heart attack. This is why it's important to get regular checkups and screenings, even if you don't have any symptoms. Your doctor can check for risk factors for CAD, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. If you have any risk factors, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or medications to help prevent CAD.
Here are some of the risk factors for CAD:
Age: CAD is more common in older adults.
Family history: If you have a family history of CAD, you're more likely to develop it yourself.
Race: African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans are more likely to develop CAD than Caucasians.
Gender: Men are more likely to develop CAD than women, but the risk for women increases after menopause.
Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for CAD.
High blood pressure: High blood pressure puts a strain on your heart and can lead to CAD.
High cholesterol: High cholesterol can build up in your arteries and narrow them.
Diabetes: Diabetes damages your blood vessels and makes you more likely to develop CAD.
Physical inactivity: Lack of regular exercise can increase your risk of CAD.
If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of CAD. You can also take steps to improve your overall health, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking. Sources
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