Coronary Artery Disease
Your heart keeps your body going. It pumps blood to all organs, tissues, and cells, but the arteries that deliver the blood can become blocked. When that happens, the team at Reid Health Heart & Vascular Center helps patients throughout East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio return to normal as quickly as possible.
What is coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease,
also known as coronary heart disease, is a type of cardiovascular disease
caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply
blood to the heart and other parts of the body. Of the various types of heart
disease, coronary artery disease is most common.
Common coronary heart disease symptoms
Symptoms of coronary artery disease can vary from person to person. Some people may have early
symptoms, while others won't have any symptoms until they have a
- Chest pain — Chest pain, also known as angina, is a common indicator of a heart attack, but it can occur before a heart attack. This type of pain is caused when the heart doesn't get enough blood flow or oxygen. People can experience coronary artery disease-related chest pain differently. Some may experience crushing pain, while others may feel only discomfort. Some may feel a heaviness on their chests, while others may feel a sharp, burning sensation.
- Fatigue — People with coronary artery disease may feel tired, but a sudden drop in energy levels can also be a symptom of heart attack.
- Shortness of breath — When a person's heart doesn't beat properly, fluid can leak into their lungs. This can make it hard for them to breathe. People with shortness of breath due to coronary artery disease may notice difficulty breathing during physical activity and exertion, while resting, and even while sleeping.
How to know if you have coronary artery disease
Your doctor will diagnose coronary
artery disease based on your symptoms, medical and family history, risk
factors, and the results of certain tests and procedures.
Tests that can help diagnose coronary
artery disease include:
- Blood tests to check levels of cholesterol, triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood), blood sugar, and proteins that indicate inflammation
- Cardiac MRIs to pinpoint if and where blood flow is restricted in arteries
- Cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) scans to check blood flow through blood vessels and into heart tissue
- Coronary angiography using a dye to see the inside of the coronary arteries to visualize the location of blockages
- Coronary artery calcium scans to determine the amount of calcium in coronary arteries, which can indicate blockages
- Coronary CT angiography to show the insides of
your coronary arteries using high-quality CT imaging
- Electrocardiograms (EKG) to check the heart's rhythm and the strength and timing of its electrical signals
- Stress tests to find out how well the heart functions during physical stress and exertion
Reid Health offers comprehensive imaging services that can accurately diagnose heart
issues, such as coronary artery disease. Find a location near you.
What causes clogged arteries?
Some people are more likely to
develop clogged arteries than others. Genetics can play a big role, as can the
following risk factors:
- Age
- Being
- Diabetes
- Drinking alcohol
- Family history of coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- High LDL (bad) cholesterol
- Low HDL (good) cholesterol
- Smoking
Reducing your risk of coronary artery disease
You may not be able to completely
avoid or prevent coronary artery disease. But you can minimize your risk of developing
it by taking the following steps:
- Eat a healthy diet — Processed foods, white flour, and sugar in all its many forms should be reduced or eliminated from your diet. Instead, focus on eating fruits, vegetables, lean meat, fish, and whole grains.
- Quit smoking — The nicotine in cigarettes can increase your blood pressure. High blood pressure is a risk factor for coronary artery disease.
- Reduce alcohol consumption — Drinking heavily can lead to heart tissue damage.
- Take steps to manage high
blood pressure — If you already have high blood pressure, work to reduce it.
Changing your diet and taking medications can lower your blood pressure and keep it in a healthy range.
Over time, each positive change you
make can add up and significantly reduce your risk. Working with the team at Reid Health Heart &
Vascular Center can
help you monitor your progress and make further lifestyle modifications as
needed.
Coronary artery disease is never something to ignore. If you have symptoms, it's important to get experienced help as soon as possible. At Reid Health, we have the tools to accurately diagnose coronary artery disease and help patients manage it. Our goal is to help you live your best life.
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