Coronary Artery Disease Specialist

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease is a heart condition that occurs from narrowing or blockages in the main arteries in your heart — coronary arteries. The narrowing and blockages occur from a buildup of plaque along the blood vessel wall, a condition known as atherosclerosis.

Your coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart. A narrowing or blockage in these arteries affects oxygen supply, which may affect heart health or lead to a heart attack. 

What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease develops slowly over decades, and you may not have any signs or symptoms until you have a severe narrowing or blockage. Signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease include:

Angina

Angina is a type of chest pain that occurs when your heart fails to get enough oxygen-rich blood. With angina, you may feel pressure or tightness in your chest during physical activity or emotional stress. 

Shortness of breath

The narrowing or blockages in your coronary arteries affects the delivery of oxygen-rich blood throughout your body, leading to shortness of breath. 

Heart attack

A heart attack occurs when you have a complete blockage in your coronary artery. During a heart attack, you may feel a crushing pain in your chest that radiates to your shoulder. 

If you suspect you or someone you love is having a heart attack, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?

The interventional cardiologists at Apex Cardiology Consultants conduct comprehensive evaluations to diagnose coronary artery disease. In addition to a history and physical, your provider performs in-office testing to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

For coronary artery disease, testing might include:

• Blood tests
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Stress testing
• Echocardiogram
• Noninvasive coronary angiogram
• Cardiac CT
• Nuclear cardiology
• Cardiac catheterization

Your provider at Apex Cardiology Consultants determines what diagnostic testing you need. They perform these tests at the office. 

How is coronary artery disease treated?

Your provider at Apex Cardiology Consultants creates a personalized treatment plan for your coronary artery disease based on the severity of your narrowing and symptoms, as well as your medical history. 

Treatment may include:

• Heart-healthy diet
• A personalized exercise program
• Smoking cessation
• Medication to manage high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Blood thinners
• Artery relaxers (nitroglycerin)

Apex Cardiology Consultants also performs interventional coronary procedures, such as balloon angioplasty and stenting, to improve blood flow through the arteries. 

For expert cardiology care, call Apex Cardiology Consultants or schedule an appointment online today.