Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

CAD happens when the arteries that supply blood to heart muscle become hardened and narrowed. This is due to the buildup of cholesterol and other material, called plaque, on their inner walls. This buildup is called atherosclerosis. As it grows, less blood can flow through the arteries. As a result, the heart muscle can't get the blood or oxygen it needs. This can lead to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack. Most heart attacks happen when a blood clot suddenly cuts off the hearts' blood supply, causing permanent heart damage.

Over time, CAD can also weaken the heart muscle and contribute to heart failure and arrhythmias. Heart failure means the heart can't pump blood well to the rest of the body. Arrhythmias are changes in the normal beating rhythm of the heart.

What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?

CAD often develops silently for years before causing noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do appear, the most common is angina — chest pain, pressure, or tightness that may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. Other signs include shortness of breath, fatigue, and heart palpitations. Some people, especially women and those with diabetes, may experience little to no chest pain even with significant blockages, so it's important not to rely on symptoms alone to rule out CAD.

What causes coronary artery disease?

CAD is caused by atherosclerosis, the gradual buildup of cholesterol, fat, and other substances (plaque) on the inner walls of the coronary arteries. Risk factors that speed up this process include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, a family history of heart disease, and age.

How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically starts with a review of symptoms, risk factors, and family history, followed by tests such as an EKG, echocardiogram, stress test, coronary calcium scoring, CT angiography, or cardiac catheterization with coronary angiography. Blood tests may also be used to check cholesterol levels and other markers related to heart health.

Can coronary artery disease be reversed?

While the plaque buildup from CAD generally can't be fully reversed, its progression can be slowed or even partially improved with lifestyle changes, medication, and, in some cases, procedures to restore blood flow. Managing risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar plays a major role in stabilizing plaque and reducing the risk of future heart attacks.

What treatment options are available for CAD?

Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and may include lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, quitting smoking), medications (such as statins, blood pressure medications, or antiplatelet drugs), and procedures like angioplasty with stenting or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for more significant blockages. Our team works with each patient to build a personalized treatment plan.

What lifestyle changes can help manage or prevent CAD?

Heart-healthy habits can significantly reduce your risk of developing CAD or slow its progression. These include eating a diet low in saturated fat and sodium, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and keeping conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure well-controlled.

Is coronary artery disease hereditary?

Family history is one of several risk factors for CAD. Having a parent or sibling with early heart disease (before age 55 for men or 65 for women) increases your own risk. However, genetics is only part of the picture — lifestyle and other health conditions also play a major role, which means risk can often be reduced even in people with a family history.

When should I see a cardiologist about coronary artery disease?

You should talk to a doctor if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, or heart palpitations, especially during physical activity. It's also a good idea to schedule a cardiology evaluation if you have multiple risk factors for CAD, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease, even without symptoms, so your risk can be assessed early.