Published on February 16, 2026

Coronary Artery Disease – What You Need to Know

By Rohit Masih, MD, and Hiten Patel, MD

Rohit Masih, MD Hiren Patel, MD
Rohit Masih, MD Hiten Patel, MD

Coronary artery disease happens when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque made of cholesterol, fat, and calcium. This reduces blood flow to the heart and can lead to chest pain or angina. If left untreated, it can result in a heart attack.

Q: What are some common symptoms of coronary artery disease?

A: Symptoms include chest discomfort; this is commonly described as a pressure, tightness or heaviness sensation in the center or lower chest. This discomfort may sometimes radiate to the jaw or arms.  Additional symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, or nausea, may also occur. Particularly, in women and people with diabetes, atypical symptoms such as nausea or unusual fatigue, may be the predominant symptom. 

Q: Can coronary artery disease occur without symptoms?

A: Yes. Many people have silent coronary artery disease and may not realize it until a heart attack occurs. Routine screening is essential, especially for those with risk factors. Risk factors include age, family history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, being overweight, smoking and substance use including cocaine and marijuana.

Q: How can coronary artery disease be prevented?

A: Prevention includes not smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol, managing diabetes, and reducing psychosocial stress.

Q: What are the warning signs of a heart attack?

A: Warning signs include chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, pain spreading to the arm or jaw, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, lightheadedness/dizziness or passing out. If these occur, Call 911 immediately to get immediate medical assistance. 

Q: What is the most important Heart Month message?

A: Know your numbers, know your risk, and take action early. Small lifestyle changes and regular checkups can prevent heart attacks and save lives.

 

Know Your Numbers:

Blood Pressure:
  • Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
  • Goal BP if taking blood pressure medication: ≤ 130/80 mmHg
  • High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases heart attack and stroke risk.
Cholesterol (LDL – 'Bad' Cholesterol):
  • Goal for most adults: Less than 100 mg/dL
  • Lower targets may be recommended for those with heart disease or diabetes.
Hemoglobin A1c (Blood Sugar Control):
  • Normal: Less than 5.7%; Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
  • Good diabetes control reduces heart disease risk.

Rohit Masih, MD, is a cardiology fellow with UNC Health Southeastern. Hiten Patel, MD is an interventional cardiologist and endovascular specialist as well as the program director for UNC Health Southeastern’s Cardiovascular Diseases Fellowship Program. In addition to offering services you’d expect from a community healthcare system, UNC Health Southeastern provides a number of specialized services that are unique to our system and not available anywhere else in the region. To schedule an appointment, call our referral line at 984-974-CARE. To learn more, visit UNCHealthSE.org. To submit questions for consideration for a Frequently Asked Questions article, email unchsoutheasterninfo@unchealth.unc.edu.