Coronary artery disease, or CAD, is the most common type of heart disease and a leading cause of death in the United States. At BKLYNCardio in Brooklyn, New York, interventional cardiologist Matthew Jones, MD, is highly experienced in treating CAD in order to improve your quality of life and prevent a future heart attack or stroke. Call BKLYNCardio to learn more or schedule an appointment online today.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle harden and narrow due to the buildup of plaque within the artery walls. As more plaque builds up, blood flow is reduced and your heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke, which can cause permanent heart or brain damage, and even death.
If you have coronary artery disease you might not notice symptoms right away. Over time, if your arteries don’t supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart, you may experience:
Coronary artery disease can also cause a heart attack, heart muscle damage, heart failure, and heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). That’s why getting the proper care from a highly trained cardiologist such as Dr. Jones is so important.
Numerous factors increase your risk of developing coronary artery disease. Examples include:
If you have a family history of CAD, you might be more prone to developing the condition. Older age increases your risk of CAD, and men are more likely to experience it than women.
At BKLYNCardio, Dr. Jones first reviews your medical history and conducts a physical exam. He may also order blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), stress tests, other heart tests, cardiac catheterization, or diagnostic imaging to look for blockages that limit blood flow to your heart.
Your individualized treatment plan might include:
During an angioplasty, Dr. Jones inserts a catheter, or thin flexible tube, into narrowed blood vessels to open them. Stents are placed to prop open the arteries, increasing blood flow.
Cardiac rehabilitation is a customized exercise and education program that helps you recover from heart disease or a heart attack.
Lifestyle changes play an important role in preventing or managing CAD. Dr. Jones will likely recommend that you do the following:
If you’re at risk of CAD or suspect you have the condition, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jones at BKLYNCardio by phone or online today.
