- 817-877-4105
- 817-877-4105
The heart is a muscle that needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to work properly. When these arteries become narrowed, less blood flows to the heart muscle. If the blockage gets worse or a plaque suddenly ruptures, it can cause serious problems like chest pain (angina), heart attack, or even heart failure.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when cholesterol plaques build up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The heart is fed by three main arteries: the Left Anterior Descending artery (LAD, often referred to as “the Widow Maker”), the Left Circumflex artery (LCx), and the Right Coronary Artery (RCA). Each of these arteries branches into smaller vessels.
When plaque causes partial narrowing—typically up to 70%—the condition can often be managed through lifestyle changes, a healthy diet, and medications such as statins to control cholesterol. However, when the narrowing exceeds 70%, symptoms are more likely to appear, as they increase the heart’s demand for oxygen.
chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and other signs, especially during physical activity. Activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or carrying heavy objects often worsen these symptoms.
It’s important to note that coronary symptoms may also show up at rest. Although many people describe the discomfort as a squeezing or pressure in the chest, heart disease doesn’t always follow a textbook pattern. In some individuals, symptoms may present as unexplained fatigue, breathlessness, or even indigestion.
Treadmill exercise along with imaging—either an ultrasound (stress echocardiogram) or nuclear imaging that uses a camera. For patients unable to use a treadmill, medications can be given to mimic the effects of exercise. Both stress testing methods are very safe and usually performed in a clinic setting.
If significant blockages are suspected, treatment options may include continued medical therapy and risk factor control, the placement of stents (tiny drug-coated metal tubes inserted via a minimally invasive procedure), or, in more severe cases, open-heart surgery.
If you are concerned, contact us at [email protected]