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What is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary artery disease – CAD, also called ischemic heart disease, is the leading cause of death in the United States. With CAD, the blood flow to the heart is decreased and deprives the heart of oxygen. CAD occurs when the arteries supplying the blood to the heart are narrowed or blocked by plaque or a blood clot. A sudden severe blockage can cause a heart attack. Blockages can cause heart muscle damage reducing the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. The slow buildup of plaque in the arterial walls over time is called atherosclerosis. When atherosclerosis thickens and narrows the arterial walls, the flow of blood to the heart provides inadequate oxygen and vital nutrients. Inadequate blood flow to the heart is called ischemia. This can cause muscle cramp-like chest pain called angina.
What CAD Symptoms And Issues Can Lead To Disability?
The most common symptoms of CAD are:
- fatigue
- dyspnea on exertion
- chest pain or angina
- nausea
- vomiting
- sweating
- heart palpitations
- and heart attack
CAD can lead to disability in several different ways. Fatigue, shortness of breath, and lack of stamina often prevent people with CAD from being able to sustain competitive employment. These symptoms often prevent people from completing an 8 hour workday or cause excessive absenteeism leading to termination. Additionally, medications such as beta blockers can cause fatigue preventing people from completing a competitive workday.
How Do You Get Social Security Disability Benefits Due To CAD?
CAD is considered under Listing 4.00. A person with CAD can obtain Social Security disability benefits by either meeting the Listing or showing an inability to sustain competitive employment due to CAD associated symptoms. People that have undergone heart surgery such as an angioplasty or coronary bypass or needed cardiac rehabilitation are more likely to experience disabling symptoms from their CAD. If you have CAD and are unable to work, Chad Brown Law can help. Call us today at 336-962-5373 to see how we can help you obtain Social Security disability benefits due to your CAD.
