Our approach to coronary artery disease care

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common but serious condition that occurs when arteries that supply blood to your heart become narrowed or blocked. We understand that CAD doesn't just affect your heart — it affects your entire life.

That's why our team of nationally renowned heart specialists works together to create a personalized treatment plan that's right for you. We offer a full range of advanced treatment options, from medication and lifestyle changes to angioplasty and bypass surgery.

We're with you every step of the way, from diagnosis to recovery, to help you get back to living your life to the fullest.

Signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease

The symptoms of CAD typically happen when your heart is working hard. It's important to pay attention to your body and watch out for symptoms that may include:

• pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in the chest
• shortness of breath
• pain, pressure or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, upper belly, shoulders or arms (one or both)

When to seek care for coronary artery disease (CAD)

If you experience any of the symptoms described above, talk to your doctor right away. Early detection and treatment of CAD can help prevent serious conditions such as a heart attack or stroke.

Diagnosing coronary artery disease

Here's what to expect during the diagnosis process:

• medical history: We'll start by asking you about your symptoms and your personal and family medical history.
• physical exam: We'll check your blood pressure, heart rate and lungs.
• cardiac testing: Depending on your symptoms, you may need one or more tests such as electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram, stress test and computed tomography (CT) angiogram.

Treatment options for coronary artery disease

Once the tests show us the extent of your condition, we'll work together to determine the right treatment for you. We'll develop a personalized plan that addresses your individual symptoms and risk factors, to reduce your chance of having a heart attack or stroke.

Some of the treatment options available include:

• Healthy lifestyle changes: Heart-healthy habits include eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking and managing stress.
• Medicine: Several types of medicines can treat coronary artery disease, including aspirin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, nitrates and statins.
• Angioplasty: This minimally invasive procedure opens a narrowed or blocked artery. Our heart specialists insert a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into the artery and inflate a tiny balloon to clear the way for improved blood flow. We may also place a stent to help keep the artery open.
• Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery: This open-heart surgery creates a new pathway for blood to flow to the heart. Bypass surgery may be an option for you if angioplasty isn’t possible or hasn’t been successful.
• Chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention: This minimally invasive option is an alternative to bypass surgery and can help many people who have CAD.
• Shockwave intravascular lithotripsy (IVL): This procedure uses sound waves to break up hardened plaque buildup in heart arteries.

Benefits of care for coronary artery disease

Treating and controlling CAD will help improve your symptoms and reduce the likelihood that you’ll experience a future cardiac event. You should start feeling better and have the stamina to be more active again.

CAD tests and treatments

• physical exam
• EKG
• echo
• stress test
• CT angiogram
• medications