Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a common heart condition caused by the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

As a leading cardiology practice, HeartCare Texas utilizes advanced diagnostic tools and innovative treatment options to address CAD. Whether you're seeking preventive care or treatment for existing CAD, you can trust our team of expert cardiologists to deliver compassionate, patient-centered cardiovascular care tailored to your unique needs.

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), also called Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) or Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), is a threat to the normal functioning of the heart. It usually happens when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrow or blocked. This blockage may lead to heart blockage symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and, in severe cases, heart attacks.

What causes coronary heart disease?

CAD starts when plaque builds up in coronary arteries. Plaque, composed of fatty deposits, obstructs blood flow, potentially causing ruptures and blood clots that further narrow the arteries and contribute to heart problems and signs of clogged arteries.

Over time, plaque buildup may progress to severe or mild coronary artery calcification, a marker of CAD severity, particularly if present for approximately five years.

The main causes of CAD include:

High cholesterol
Diabetes
Family history of heart diseases
High blood pressure
Physical inactivity

What are the risk factors for CAD?

Having conditions like high blood pressure, high LDL ("bad") cholesterol, low HDL ("good") cholesterol, or high triglycerides
Poorly-controlled diabetes
Consuming a diet high in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates
Leading a lifestyle with little exercise
Smoking, vaping, or using other forms of tobacco
Being older than 45 if you're male or over 55 if you're female
Having a family history of heart disease, especially if a close relative was diagnosed before age 55 (for men) or before age 65 (for women)
Certain reproductive factors like early menopause, endometriosis, or a history of gestational diabetes, eclampsia, or preeclampsia
Other health conditions such as atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome

What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?

Common coronary artery disease symptoms include:

Angina (chest pain)
Fatigue
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Nausea

Treating coronary artery disease at HeartCare Texas

At HeartCare Texas, we are committed to providing comprehensive solutions tailored to each individual's needs, aiming not only to treat but also to prevent CAD.

Our workup offered in the clinic includes stress tests. We work on preventative measures to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) progression.

You will receive a personalized plan, adopting a heart-healthy diet, moderating alcohol intake, and engaging in regular physical activity. Based on the plan, our coronary heart disease treatment approach will include lifestyle adjustments, medication regimens, and surgical interventions when necessary.