Coronary Artery Disease Doctors in NYC
What is coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease, sometimes confused with coronary heart disease, is a cardiovascular disease in which your coronary arteries – the main arteries that surround and carry blood to your heart – become damaged. When your coronary arteries become damaged, fatty deposits may develop inside your arteries, causing the arteries to become constricted. Coronary artery disease can start as early as childhood, taking many years to develop. Exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and diet, quitting smoking, and managing stress levels are all steps that can help control coronary artery disease.
What causes coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease is typically caused by damage to the coronary artery. Damage to the coronary artery can occur due to certain factors, such as:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- A physically inactive lifestyle
What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease usually takes years to develops. Initially, you may not display or notice any symptoms of coronary heart disease. When the buildup of fatty deposit in your arteries reaches a certain threshold, you may begin to exhibit certain symptoms, such as chest pain and shortness of breath. In severe cases, your first sign of coronary artery disease may be a heart attack.
How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?
To help determine if you have coronary artery disease, your doctor may begin by asking you what symptoms you have been experiencing. Your doctor may also ask about your medical history and recommend various tests, including:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Echocardiogram
- Stress test
- Cardiac catheterization and angiogram
- Heart scan
Can coronary artery disease lead to complications if left untreated?
If left untreated, coronary artery disease may lead to certain complications. As plaque continues to collect in your arteries, your arteries will continue to narrow, interrupting blood flow to your heart. This may lead to complications, such as arrhythmia, angina, or heart failure. If an artery becomes completely clogged, it may lead to a heart attack.
How is coronary artery disease treated?
Treatment options for coronary heart disease range from conservative treatment options to medical procedures. Depending on the state of your disease, your doctor may recommend the following:
- Quitting smoking
- Eating healthier
- Exercising regularly
- Losing weight
- Lowering your stress
- Cholesterol-modifying medications
- Aspirin
- Beta Blockers
- Angioplasty and stent placement
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
Our heart and vein doctors at Heart Vein NYC have over 20 years of experience providing the New York City area with comprehensive,
