Coronary Artery Disease

Coastal Heart Medical Group

Cardiology & Vascular Specialists located in Santa Ana, CA & Chino Hills, CA

Nearly a quarter of all deaths are due to heart disease. Coronary artery disease is the most prevalent type of heart disease and affects millions of Americans. It is the narrowing of the arteries of the heart with cholesterol and plaque. At Coastal Heart Medical Group, the team offers expert diagnosis and treatment for coronary heart disease to protect and improve your cardiovascular health. Call Coastal Heart Medical Group or schedule a consultation online today.

Coronary Artery Disease Q & A

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease comprises the most common types of heart problems, including stable angina, unstable angina, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death.

Common symptoms of coronary artery disease include:

Chest pain
Pain in shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw
Severe heartburn
Shortness of breath

You may find that your symptoms increase in intensity when you exercise or feel emotionally stressed.

It’s also possible that you won’t experience any symptoms before having a severe cardiac event like a heart attack.

What causes coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease is usually due to damage to the inner layer of your coronary artery. That damage could be congenital or it may develop later in life because of issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

Your lifestyle can contribute to your risk of coronary artery disease. If you smoke, eat foods that are high in salt and fat, or don’t get enough physical activity, your risk increases. Your chances of developing coronary artery disease also increase as you get older, and men are more likely than women to suffer from this condition.

How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?

The team at Coastal Heart Medical Group diagnoses coronary artery disease with a physical exam and diagnostic tests, including electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and stress tests.

Electrocardiograms (EKGs) monitor the electrical activity in your heart with tracing and can reveal abnormalities in rhythm. Echocardiograms are ultrasounds that show your heart structure in moving pictures and reveal any areas of weakness or reduced function. Stress tests monitor your heart function with either electrocardiogram or echocardiogram technology while you walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike to stimulate your heart.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend a cardiac catheterization procedure to identify any blockages or narrowing in your arteries.

How is coronary artery disease treated?

The team at Coastal Heart Medical Group provides customized treatments to address coronary artery disease. In addition to prescribing medication to control your cholesterol levels or blood pressure, they also encourage you to make healthy lifestyle adjustments, including: