Coronary Artery Disease Specialist

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease occurs when the blood vessels that supply your heart fail to function at full capacity. 

The most common cause of coronary artery disease is plaques or fatty deposits that contain cholesterol. As these plaques grow in size, they reduce the flow of blood to your heart, cutting off oxygen and important nutrients.

Coronary artery disease develops slowly over time. The easiest way to reduce your risk is to visit the doctor regularly and live a heart-healthy lifestyle.

What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?

Symptoms of coronary artery disease include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness, lightheadedness, or nausea
• Pain in the arms or shoulders

When coronary artery disease is untreated, it can also result in a heart attack.

When should I see a cardiologist about coronary artery disease?

If you have any of the risk factors for coronary artery disease, like a family history of the condition or high blood pressure, make an appointment at Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group. 

Following an exam, the team might recommend testing for coronary artery disease. That’s particularly true if you have any symptoms of narrowed arteries.

What causes coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease occurs due to a damaged or diseased coronary artery. Damage can occur for various reasons, including:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Living a sedentary lifestyle

When the inner wall of an artery becomes damaged, it’s easier for fatty deposits and plaque to collect. Without treatment, this buildup can lead to a heart attack.

How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?

To diagnose coronary artery disease, your Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group provider conducts an exam and asks about your symptoms. If these measures aren’t enough to make a diagnosis, they might order additional tests like cardiac catheterization or an electrocardiogram.

Cardiac catheterization allows the team to take X-ray images of your heart chambers, valves, arteries, and blood vessels. An electrocardiogram monitors the electrical output of your heart and can help diagnose a previous heart attack.

How is coronary artery disease treated?

Treatment of coronary artery disease typically involves a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication. For example, losing weight, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly can significantly reduce the risk of complications.

If medications and lifestyle changes don’t provide relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. The interventional cardiologist and cardiothoracic surgeon at Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group have years of experience conducting surgical procedures like coronary artery bypass and angioplasty and stent placement.

If you’re concerned about your risk of coronary artery disease, make an appointment at Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group by calling the nearest office today or scheduling online.