Coronary Artery Disease

What is the difference between CAD and heart disease?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a type of heart disease. However, many people refer to their CAD as heart disease because it’s the most common type. Coronary artery disease is narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries, the main arteries in the heart. The narrowing occurs from a buildup of plaque (collection of fat, cholesterol, and other substances) on the walls of the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. The plaque limits the flow of blood to the heart muscle. The plaque may also break free and cause a blood clot that blocks blood flow, leading to a heart attack. High cholesterol is a risk factor for CAD.

What symptoms can I expect with coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease is sometimes called a silent killer because it develops without causing symptoms. For many, a heart attack is their first symptom. Symptoms usually appear when your heart has to pump harder because of the narrowing and may include:

• Chest pain during exercise (angina)
• Pain in the back, shoulder, neck, arms, or abdomen
• Difficulty catching your breath
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Indigestion
• Weakness

If you have severe chest pain or think you’re having a heart attack, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

What tests diagnose coronary artery disease?

The highly skilled cardiologists at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute perform thorough cardiovascular exams when you come in with concerns about chest pain or difficulty breathing. They review your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. Your provider has you undergo testing to confirm or rule out coronary artery disease, such as:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Stress test
• Echocardiogram
• Coronary calcium scan
• CT coronary angiogram

Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute also performs cardiac catheterizations, an interventional cardiology procedure that uses catheters to look at your heart from the inside.

What are the treatments for coronary artery disease?

Your provider at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute creates a personalized treatment plan for CAD based on your symptoms and disease severity. Treatment may include lifestyle changes and medications. Your provider may also suggest interventional cardiology procedures to improve blood flow through the arteries, such as angioplasty and stenting. During this procedure, your interventional cardiologist inflates a balloon in the narrow part of the artery, compressing the plaque. Then, they place a stent (mesh tube) to keep the blood vessel open. You can live a long and healthy life with coronary artery disease. Call Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute or schedule an appointment online today for a personalized treatment plan.