Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to your heart. Over time, narrowed arteries can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or a heart attack. At Signet Heart Group, our cardiologists diagnose CAD with advanced testing and treat it with lifestyle guidance, medication, and minimally invasive procedures when needed.
What is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) usually occurs when cholesterol and plaque accumulate inside the coronary arteries (blood vessels supplying oxygen-rich blood to heart muscles) and block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscles. The plaque can sometimes break off and form a blood clot that can completely block the vessels, leading to permanent heart damage.
CAD is the most common of all heart diseases, and a leading cause of death in the US. Despite this, it often goes unnoticed as the plaques develop over many years
Causes of Coronary Artery Disease
CAD occurs due to atherosclerosis, a condition where cholesterol and a waxy substance called plaque to accumulate in the coronary arteries over time, thereby narrowing the artery and reducing the flow of blood.
Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
Symptoms may not manifest in the initial stages when there is a decrease in blood flow but may show up as the plaque continues to build.
The most common symptom is angina, characterized by pain, discomfort, heaviness, tightness or numbness in the chest. It can also be felt in the neck, jaw, back, left shoulder or arms, and is often mistaken for heartburn or indigestion.
Other symptoms include heart attack, shortness of breath, weakness, giddiness or fainting, sweating, and nausea.
If you feel any of these symptoms, you should see your physician immediately.
Risk factors of Coronary Artery Disease
Some of the risk factors include:
- Advanced age
- Family history
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Diet rich in cholesterol and saturated fat
- Diabetes
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Stress
- Sex, with men being at a higher risk
- Menopause
Complications of Coronary Artery Disease
Over time, when the muscles are starved of oxygen and weaken, other conditions can occur such as heart failure (heart cannot pump sufficient blood for your entire body) and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease
Your physician will examine and review your medical history, and order one or more of the following diagnostic tests:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): to record the heart's electrical activity
- Echocardiogram: to view the heart's size, structure and motion using sound waves
- Stress test: to record the heart's electrical activity while you run on a treadmill
- Angiogram: to view the flow of blood using a special dye and X-ray
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan: to view your arteries
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA): to view blood vessels using a magnetic field and radio waves
Treatment for Coronary artery disease
CAD treatment involves lifestyle changes, medication and surgery.
Lifestyle changes
Adopting a healthy lifestyle that incorporates plenty of physical activity, nutritious food, limited alcohol and nicotine, and a good weight management regime will go a long way in preventing and controlling coronary artery disease.
Medications for Coronary artery disease
Medications are recommended if risk factors cannot be lowered through lifestyle changes.
Surgery for Coronary Artery Disease
Certain procedures can be used to open up the blocked arteries:
Balloon angioplasty: An inflated balloon is inserted into the blocked artery to compress the deposits against the arterial wall. Sometimes, a stent is placed and left in the artery to keep it open.
Coronary artery bypass surgery: A blood vessel from another part of the body is used to create a graft to bypass the blocked artery.
Why Choose Signet Heart Group for Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is a long-term condition, and the right team makes a difference. Here is what we offer:
- Advanced diagnostic testing: We offer nuclear stress testing, treadmill stress testing, echocardiography, and coronary CT angiography to see how well blood is flowing to your heart.
- Interventional specialists: Our interventional cardiologists perform cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, and stenting, including imaging and physiologically guided stent placement.
- A focus on prevention: Dr. Rajeev Sudhakar specializes in preventive cardiology and lipid disorders, and our team helps you manage the risk factors that drive plaque buildup.
- Board-certified physicians: All of our physicians are board certified, with expertise in both invasive and noninvasive cardiology.
Coronary Artery Disease FAQs
Can coronary artery disease be reversed?
Plaque that has built up does not usually disappear, but treatment can slow or stop its progression. Medication, healthy habits, and procedures when needed can relieve symptoms and lower your risk of a heart attack.
Do I need a stent for coronary artery disease?
Not always. Many people are treated with medication and lifestyle changes. A stent may be recommended if a blockage is causing symptoms or limiting blood flow despite other treatment.
How do I know if my arteries are blocked?
Symptoms like chest discomfort with activity can be a sign, but some people have no symptoms. Stress testing, coronary CT angiography, or cardiac catheterization can show whether your arteries are narrowed.
What can I do to protect my heart?
Not smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, staying active, and keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar in a healthy range all help. Your cardiologist will tailor these goals to you.
Schedule Your Visit
If you have symptoms or risk factors for coronary artery disease, call Signet Heart Group at or request an appointment online. You can visit us in Sherman, Anna, or Dallas, Texas, or Durant, Oklahoma.
