Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a type of heart disease that affects the flow of blood through your heart. Nchang Taka, MD, and the team at Heart Vascular And Vein Care Clinic in Columbus, Georgia, take a proactive and individualized approach to diagnosing and treating CAD. They customize plans that benefit both your heart and overall health. For expert cardiology care from a highly skilled team, call or schedule an appointment online today.

What is coronary artery disease?

About 18 million people in the United States have coronary artery disease (CAD), making it the most common type of heart disease in the country. CAD affects the delivery of oxygen-rich blood to your heart due to narrowing or blockages in the arteries.

The narrowing and blockages most often develop over time from a buildup of plaque along the blood vessel walls. Plaque is a sticky substance made up of fat and minerals. However, damage to the blood vessels may also affect the flow of blood to the heart, causing CAD. 

What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?

CAD symptoms vary, and it’s possible to have this type of heart disease without any symptoms. With CAD, you may experience:

• Chest pain during exercise (angina)
• Pressure or tightness in the chest
• Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Neck pain
• Cold sweats
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Stomach pain

In some cases, a heart attack is the first symptom.

Heart Vascular And Vein Care Clinic takes a preventive approach to heart and vascular health and offers testing and treatment for CAD to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.

What tests diagnose coronary artery disease?

Before making any specific testing recommendations, the team at Heart Vascular And Vein Care Clinic conducts a thorough evaluation to understand your concerns and risk factors better.

They review your symptoms, medical and family histories, and lifestyle habits. The team performs a physical exam and electrocardiogram (EKG) to evaluate your heart’s electrical activity. They may also run bloodwork.

Testing to confirm or rule out CAD may include a stress test or coronary angiography, an imaging test that allows the team to look inside your arteries. They perform the coronary angiography at the on-site cath lab.

What are the treatments for coronary artery disease?

The team at Heart Vascular And Vein Care Clinic customizes your CAD treatment plan based on the severity of your diseases and symptoms. Initially, the team recommends lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.

They also provide treatment for underlying conditions that may worsen your CAD. If you have severe narrowing or blockages in the arteries, the team does interventional procedures at the cath lab to remove plaque, open up the arteries, and improve circulation.

To learn more about CAD, call Heart Vascular And Vein Care Clinic or schedule a consultation online today.