Health Update: Health Update: Melissa Claire Egan has coronary heart disease. What is it? – What Experts Say– What Experts Say.
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Melissa Claire Egan, known for her roles in daytime soap operas “The Young and the Restless” and “All My Children,” revealed she was diagnosed with coronary heart disease in late January.
The actress, 44, shared the diagnosis in an Instagram post on Feb. 26.
“Thanks to early detection, and medicine, I will be okay!” she wrote. “I’m a private person, but this seemed TOO IMPORTANT NOT TO SHARE. Especially for women.”
According to recent projections published by the American Heart Association, 14.4% of women in the United States will experience cardiovascular disease and/or stroke by 2025, up from 10.7% in 2020.Coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease or CAD, affects the main blood vessels that supply blood to the heart, called the coronary arteries, causing reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, according to the Mayo Clinic.
CAD is the leading cause of death in the United States and around the world, according to the Cleveland Clinic. In 2021, for example, coronary artery disease killed 375,500 people in the country.
The disease is also very common, with over 18 million U.S. adults having CAD.
What causes coronary artery disease?
A buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls usually cause coronary artery disease, the Mayo Clinic explains. “The buildup, called plaque, makes the arteries narrow.”
While genetics can play a role in your risk for CAD, common causes of buildup include diabetes or insulin resistance, high blood pressure, lack of exercise and smoking or tobacco use.
In her post, Egan said a heart calcium scan showed plaque in her artery, which led to her diagnosis.
Coronary artery disease symptoms
CAD is often referred to as a “silent killer,” the Cleveland Clinic notes, because someone can have the disease for many years without symptoms before experiencing a heart attack.
For those who do have symptoms, the most common is stable angina, or temporary chest pain or discomfort, while others may experience shortness of breath during light physical activity.
Coronary artery disease treatments
Treatment for CAD typically includes lifestyle changes, risk factor management and medications, the Cleveland Clinic explains, but some may also need a procedure or surgery.
“You can’t reverse coronary artery disease. But you can manage your condition and prevent it from getting worse.”