What is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of death in the United States. It occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle become hardened and narrowed due to a buildup of cholesterol and other material, called plaque, on their inner walls.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of coronary artery disease include:
- Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations
Some people may have no symptoms until they experience a heart attack.
Risk Factors
Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, family history, and increasing age.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Our cardiologists use advanced diagnostic tools including stress testing, cardiac catheterization, and CT angiography to diagnose CAD. Treatment options range from lifestyle modifications and medications to interventional procedures such as angioplasty and stenting, or coronary artery bypass surgery in more severe cases.
