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Coronary Artery Disease Specialist

Matthew Jones, MD -  - Interventional Cardiologist

BKLYNCardio

Matthew Jones, MD

Interventional Cardiologist located in Brooklyn, NY

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 Q & A

What is coronary artery disease?

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.

What are the symptoms of CAD?

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:

  • Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
  • Sharp pain in your neck, jaw, back, or arms
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cold sweats

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.

What are the risk factors for CAD?

Numerous factors increase your risk of developing coronary artery disease. Examples include:

  • A sedentary lifestyle
  • High blood pressure, cholesterol, or triglycerides
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Smoking
  • Insulin resistance or diabetes
  • Poor dietary habits
  • High stress
  • Heavy alcohol use

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.

How is CAD treated?

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:

  • Lifestyle changes
  • Medications
  • Evidence-based herbal supplements
  • Cardiac rehabilitation
  • Angioplasty and stenting, a minimally-invasive heart procedure
  • Coronary artery bypass surgery in severe cases

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.

How can I prevent CAD?

Lifestyle changes play an important role in preventing or managing CAD. Dr. Jones will likely recommend that you do the following:

  • Don’t smoke
  • Limit or avoid alcohol
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
  • Limit saturated fat, trans fat, salt, and added sugar
  • Achieve or maintain a healthy weight
  • Reduce stress
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar

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.