Coronary Artery Disease

Navigating Coronary Artery Disease
– Guiding You to a Healthier Heart

Understanding Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a significant cardiovascular condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed due to the buildup of cholesterol and other materials, known as plaque. This can reduce blood flow to the heart, leading to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or in more severe cases, a heart attack. Understanding CAD is crucial in taking proactive steps towards heart health and preventing more severe complications.

Symptoms and Risks of Coronary Artery Disease

Common symptoms of CAD include chest pain or discomfort, pain in the arms or shoulders, shortness of breath, and fatigue. It’s essential to be aware of these signs, especially if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, or a family history of heart disease. Early detection and management can significantly impact the progression of CAD.

Our Approach to Treating Coronary Artery Disease

Comprehensive and Personalized Care

Our centre adopts a comprehensive approach to treating CAD, which includes lifestyle modifications, medication management, and, if necessary, surgical interventions. We emphasize a personalized treatment plan, considering each patient’s unique health profile, to effectively manage and treat the disease.

Advanced Testing for Accurate Diagnosis

We offer a range of diagnostic services to accurately identify and assess the severity of CAD. These include non-invasive tests like ECG, echocardiograms, stress tests, and advanced imaging techniques such as coronary angiography.

Preventing and Managing Coronary Artery Disease

Prevention and management of CAD involve lifestyle changes such as a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. Medications may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Our team provides ongoing support and guidance to help patients adopt these lifestyle modifications effectively.

Schedule Your Consultation

Booking your consulation is simple. Visit our website or contact us directly to arrange your appointment. We are committed to providing convenient and timely access to our services.

FAQs on Coronary Artery Disease

CAD is a condition where the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle, become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. This can lead to reduced blood flow, causing heart-related symptoms or, in severe cases, a heart attack.

What exactly is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

What are the common symptoms of CAD?

Symptoms can include chest pain or discomfort (often described as angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, and in some cases, heart palpitations. Sometimes, CAD might be asymptomatic, especially in the early stages.

What factors increase the risk of developing CAD?

Major risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of heart disease. Age and gender also play a role, with risk increasing as you age and being higher in men.

How is CAD diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and various tests such as electrocardiograms (ECG), stress tests, echocardiograms, and advanced imaging like coronary angiography to assess the condition of the coronary arteries.

What treatment options are available for CAD?

Treatment varies depending on the severity but can include lifestyle changes (like diet and exercise), medications to manage symptoms or lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and in more severe cases, surgical procedures such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting.

Can lifestyle changes really make a difference in managing CAD?

Absolutely. Lifestyle changes are a cornerstone of managing CAD. This includes eating a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress. These changes can significantly impact the progression of the disease and overall heart health.

Is CAD a curable condition?

While CAD isn’t curable, it’s certainly manageable with the right treatment and lifestyle modifications. Many people with CAD lead long, active lives by closely managing their condition.

Who Should See a Cardiologist?

Physician Recommendation – If your physician has recommended that you see a cardiologist.
Family History of Heart Problems – If anyone in your family has or is currently battling heart problems.
Heart Pain – If you are experiencing any heart or chest pain.
High total Cholesterol – If you have high cholesterol ( 200+ mg/dL
High Blood Pressure- If you have high blood pressure
Smoker- Smoking plays a major factor for heart disease as it lowers the flow of oxygen to your heart and increases blood pressure, blood clotting, etc. If you have a history of smoking, it is highly recommended that you see a cardiologist.
Diabetic- If you experience any symptoms of heart disease and are a diabetic, it is important to see a cardiologist.
If you are experiencing severe pressure or pain in the chest
If you are experiencing discomfort or pain in shoulders, neck, arms or jaw
If you are experiencing any level of chest pain combined with sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, healt palpitations, anxiety, low blood pressure.

We’re always here to help.
Contact us today.

Ready to prioritize your heart health? Contact Surrey Heart Centre today to schedule a consultation. We are here to guide you on your journey to a healthier heart and a more vibrant life.