What is coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease is narrowing or blockage in your coronary arteries. Your coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart.
Narrowing or blockage in these arteries decreases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your heart. Without oxygen and nutrients, your heart muscle may not work as well as it should, causing chest pain or shortness of breath. A complete blockage of the artery leads to a heart attack.
It’s theorized that coronary artery disease begins with damage to the artery wall, which may start during childhood. When an artery is damaged, plaque (cholesterol and minerals) sticks to the wall, narrowing the passageway, a condition known as atherosclerosis.
What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease develops over many years. You may not have any symptoms until there’s a significant blockage. Common signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease include:
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
But the most common symptom of coronary artery disease is angina, which is a type of chest pain that occurs during physical exertion. With angina, you may feel chest pain, tightness, pressure, burning, or aching during activity, which resolves when at rest.
If you have chest pain, you should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Your chest pain may be a sign that you’re having a heart attack and shouldn’t be ignored.
Cardiology Associates of Frederick provides comprehensive cardiac testing for those with concerns or who are at risk of coronary artery disease.
How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?
Cardiology Associates of Frederick performs in-depth clinical exams to diagnose coronary artery disease. During your visit, your cardiologist reviews your symptoms, medical history, and family history and performs a physical.
To confirm a diagnosis, they may run various diagnostic tests, such as:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Stress test
- Holter monitoring
- Echocardiogram
- Blood test
- Chest X-ray
Cardiology Associates of Frederick is a state-of-the-art cardiology practice and performs many of these diagnostic tests in-house.
How is coronary artery disease treated?
Treatment for coronary artery disease may depend on the severity of your blockage and symptoms. However, your cardiologist at Cardiology Associates of Frederick recommends you start with lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, eating a heart-healthy diet, and regular exercise.
Your provider may also prescribe medication to help you manage any health conditions that contribute to your coronary artery disease, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
For a severe blockage, you may need surgical intervention to improve blood flow to your heart.
Cardiology Associates of Frederick wants you to feel your best. To schedule your coronary artery disease evaluation, call the office or use the website scheduling tool.
