Coronary Artery Disease

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a type of heart disease that affects the flow of oxygen-rich blood through the arteries in your heart. It occurs when you have narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries, which are the large arteries on top of the heart.

The narrowing or blockages arise from plaque buildup along the blood vessel walls (atherosclerosis). Plaque is a mixture of cholesterol and other substances that travel in your blood and stick to the walls. Over time, the plaque builds up, causing the narrowing that affects blood flow.

The buildup of plaque occurs over many years. You can also develop narrowing or blockages in the small blood vessels in the heart, a condition called coronary microvascular disease. 

Having high cholesterol, hypertension, or diabetes increases your risk of CAD.

What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?

CAD develops slowly over time, and you may not know you have this heart condition until you have a heart attack. Some common CAD symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Angina (chest pain during physical activity)
• Fatigue
• Light-headedness
• Nausea

Symptoms of a heart attack include sudden chest discomfort that feels heavy, tight, or burning. The pain may travel to your neck, back, jaw, or shoulder. You may also have unexplained anxiety or break out in a cold sweat. 

If you have symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

What happens during a coronary artery disease evaluation?

When you visit Candice Kim Cardiology for a coronary artery disease evaluation, you can expect a thorough and patient-centered exam. Dr. Kim asks detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, usual diet, exercise habits, and family history.

She completes a physical exam and recommends various tests to confirm your diagnosis and determine the severity of your disease. Testing might include bloodwork, stress test, echocardiogram, or nuclear imaging.

What are the treatments for coronary artery disease?

Dr. Kim takes a collaborative approach to care and works closely with you, designing a treatment plan that improves heart health and lowers your risk of more serious complications.

Treatment for coronary artery disease may include:

• Weight management
• Smoking cessation
• Heart-healthy diet
• Exercise program
• Medication to improve high cholesterol or hypertension
• Blood thinners
• Medications to manage chest pain (nitroglycerin)

Dr. Kim may also recommend various procedures depending on the severity of your heart disease such as balloon angioplasty and stenting or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery to open the arteries and improve blood flow.

At Candice Kim Cardiology, you come first. For high-quality management of your coronary artery disease, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.