Coronary Artery Disease

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

If you are affected by a heart condition, you aren’t alone: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 30 million people have been diagnosed with heart disease, with coronary artery disease (CAD) as the most common type. It occurs when arteries become blocked or narrowed, often due to plaque or deposits of cholesterol build up on artery walls that restrict blood flow to the heart. Eventually, this prevents blood from flowing out of the heart and can lead to a heart attack or heart failure. 

The cardiovascular specialists at Garnet Health offer coronary artery disease treatment and prevention to reduce the impact or occurrence of CAD. Garnet Health gives you access to leading-edge diagnostic technology to help reduce or control risks associated with coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular issues. 

Causes & Symptoms

While a family history of heart disease can be a primary risk factor for coronary artery disease, lifestyle plays a major role, too. A poor diet and lack of physical activity can significantly increase your risk of CAD, as well as other heart problems. 

In many cases, people do not realize that they have CAD until after they have a heart attack. However, CAD can be identified earlier through an awareness of common symptoms, such as:

• Angina, or chest pain
• Heartbeat irregularities, such as palpitations 
• Soreness or pain in the upper body, such as the shoulders
• Shortness of breath

Because these symptoms can signify a number of other heart conditions and may lead to a heart attack, it’s important to be proactive and talk with your doctor about any physical changes you notice. When you do, be sure to discuss any heart diseases that run in your family. Our doctors at Garnet Health will help you track your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels and intervene when anything seems irregular. 

Diagnosis

If you and your doctors believe you may be experiencing CAD, the specialists at Garnet Health will confirm your diagnosis using advanced cardiac diagnostic testing, such as: 

• Cardiac catheterization
• Coronary angiogram
• Coronary calcium testing
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Heart ultrasound, or echocardiogram
• Stress tests, including exercise, pharmacological and nuclear stress tests

Treatments & Prevention

After you meet with our cardiology team, they will develop the best care plan for you. Various medications and treatments can be used to manage CAD and its symptoms. These include:

• Lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, switching to a heart-healthy diet, managing stress, exercising regularly and, in some cases, losing weight 
• Medications to help to reduce cholesterol levels, stabilize blood pressure or relieve chest pain 
• Minimally invasive procedures, such as atherectomy, which helps to break down buildup in your arteries 
• Surgery, such as coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery
• Behavioral health support

A key part of your treatment may include cardiac rehabilitation. Garnet Health’s cardiac rehabilitation program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, ensuring we have the pulmonary rehabilitation training and expertise to support you after a procedure. 

We understand that recovery can be difficult, and our cardiovascular team can help you get back to living your life. 

Cardiovascular Specialists Close to Home 

Discover expert, comprehensive cardiovascular care for conditions such as coronary artery disease at Garnet Health. Find a primary care doctor or call 845-333-7575 to learn more about the treatment options available to you.  

If you need care for coronary artery disease in Orange and Sullivan counties, consult the expert heart care teams at Garnet Health, with convenient locations in Middletown and Harris, NY.