Coronary Artery Disease

What Is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. It happens when the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle become narrowed or blocked by a buildup of plaque (a mix of cholesterol, fat, and other substances). This reduces blood flow to your heart and can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, or in serious cases, a heart attack.

Why Is It Treated?

CAD develops slowly over years and can go undetected until symptoms appear. Managing it early is critical to preventing heart attacks and protecting your heart muscle. Treatment focuses on slowing or stopping plaque buildup, improving blood flow, and reducing your overall cardiovascular risk. With the right care, many people with CAD live full, active lives.

What to Expect

Your doctor will start with a thorough evaluation that may include blood work, an EKG, stress testing, and imaging studies to assess how well blood is flowing to your heart. Based on your results, your treatment plan may include lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, quitting smoking), medications to lower cholesterol, control blood pressure, and prevent blood clots, and in some cases, procedures like cardiac catheterization or stenting to open blocked arteries.

How to Prepare

For your first visit, bring a list of all medications you’re taking, any recent lab results, and your family history of heart disease. Be ready to discuss your symptoms, exercise habits, diet, and smoking history. If you’ve had previous heart tests or procedures, bring those records. Understanding your personal risk factors helps your doctor create the most effective treatment plan for you.