CAD — the plain-language one-pager.

What is CAD?Diagnosis

Coronary Artery Disease is the buildup of cholesterol-rich plaque inside the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle itself. Over years, plaque narrows the arteries and can rupture suddenly — causing a heart attack. The earlier you know your status, the more effective every intervention becomes.

• Most adults at risk have at least one of: high LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes/prediabetes, current or past smoking, family history of early heart disease, or chronic kidney disease.
• CAD is often silent. The first symptom can be a heart attack — which is why screening with a lipid panel, blood pressure, and (in select cases) a coronary calcium score CT matters.
• If you've already had a heart attack, stent, or bypass, the program is about preventing the next event — and the tools are powerful.

Your daily Force FieldLive It

• Statin (high-intensity if indicated) — taken every day, no skipping. The single most evidence-backed CAD medication.
• Antiplatelet — usually aspirin or clopidogrel after a stent or MI. Bleeding awareness matters.
• BP control — target generally <130/80 unless your team specifies different. Home cuff and weekly log.
• Diabetes / A1C control — if you have diabetes or prediabetes, this protects your arteries.
• Mediterranean-style or DASH eating — vegetables, fruit, whole grains, fish, olive oil, nuts. Less ultra-processed food.
• Activity — at least 150 minutes/week moderate activity. Cardiac rehab if you've had an event — it cuts mortality.
• No tobacco, no vaping — quitting at any age is the single biggest CAD-protective change.
• Sleep, stress, and mental health — depression, untreated sleep apnea, and chronic stress all raise CAD risk.

Red flags — call nowAction

• Call your clinic the same day for: new chest discomfort with exertion that goes away with rest (stable angina worth evaluating); a missed dose of antiplatelet or statin; medication side effects (muscle aches, bleeding, GI symptoms).
• Bring up at next visit: any change in exercise tolerance, lipid follow-up timing, BP log review, smoking-cessation support, depression screening, sleep concerns.