Coronary artery disease

Coronary arteries deliver blood, oxygen, and nutrients into the heart.  When the arteries accumulate fatty deposits on their walls, the radius of the artery becomes smaller thus making it more difficult for the heart to receive an adequate supply of the oxygenated blood. Coronary artery disease occurs when a decreased amount of blood flows into the heart.  When this occurs the patient may start experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath.  If the artery becomes completely obstructed a patient may suffer from a heart attack. 

Coronary artery disease develops over a long period of time. 

Risk factors include:

Smoking

High blood pressure

Obesity

Diabetes

Stress

Physical inactivity

To diagnose coronary artery disease the doctor may order:

Electrocardiogram- electrical signals as they travel through the heart.

Angiogram- view of blood flow through the heart

Echocardiogram- sound waves that produce images of the heart.

Stress test- work of the heart during strenuous activity

Magnetic resonance angiography- to view a 3-D image of arteries

Electron beam computerized tomography- detects calcium in the fatty deposits in the arteries.

Treatment for the coronary artery disease includes medications that lover cholesterol, aspirin to thin the blood and decrease a risk of a blood clot, nitroglycerin to open the coronary arteries, beta blockers that would slow down the heart rate and decrease the blood pressure, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors that decrease blood pressure, and calcium channel blockers that relax the muscles and cause vessels to open.  When more aggressive treatment is needed one may decide on the coronary artery bypass surgery, angioplasty and stent placement, coronary brachytherapy, or laser revascularization. 

Prevent coronary artery disease by quitting smoking, controlling your blood pressure, diet and exercise and managing stress.

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Receive $10 off an EKG on your next visit.

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