The doctor initially asks for a description of symptoms, assesses the patient’s general physical condition through a standard medical examination and history taking. The doctor listens to the heart for swishing or swooshing sounds, collectively known as heart murmurs to gather clues about the patient’s heart condition. Abnormal heartbeats and some areas of damage, inadequate blood flow, and heart enlargement can be detected on the records. The EKG is imperative in the assessment of CAD; it is used primarily for assessment of any underlying heart problems and for further evaluation if the patient shows changes from a previous EKG. Another modality for evaluating CAD is a standard stress test exercise, where the patient walks on the treadmill and his or her response is simultaneously analyzed while the intensity increases. The patient evaluation includes blood pressure response, any change in the EKG and the capability to maintain work load during the stress test exercise protocol.CAD is treated in a number of ways, depending on the seriousness of the disease. For many people, CAD is managed with lifestyle modification and medications. In any case, once CAD develops, it requires lifelong management and evaluation. Changes in diet include low in fat, especially saturated fat, and low cholesterol which will help reduce high serum blood cholesterol, a primary cause of atherosclerosis. In fact, it is even more important to keep cholesterol low after a heart attack to help lower the risk of a second one. Losing weight can help lower blood cholesterol and is the most effective lifestyle way to reduce high blood pressure, another risk factor for atherosclerosis and heart disease. Others with severe CAD may need surgery that includes either revascularization or heart valve repair. For the diabetic patient a strict blood sugar level, adequate blood pressure and lipid profile are imperative in their management.
