When visiting your heart doctor for a routine examination, they’ll likely discuss your risks for common heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease or CAD. If you’re not sure what this disease is or how it can affect your heart health, here’s what you need to know. 

Understanding Coronary Artery Disease

What Is It?

Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease. This condition is defined by plaque buildup in your coronary arteries, which are responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood to your heart. Arteries are typically elastic and smooth; however, when plaque builds up, these pathways become stiff, narrow, and fail to provide sufficient blood to your heart. As a result, individuals with CAD have a higher risk of heart attacks and blood clotting. 

Plaque can accumulate due to a variety of factors, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking. If you are over the age of 65, obese, sedentary, stressed out on a consistent basis, have high cholesterol, or have a known family history of CAD, it's important to visit a heart doctor regularly. 

What Symptoms Indicate CAD?

The most common symptoms related to CAD include chest pain and angina. The latter can manifest in a wide range of ways, such as fatigue, nausea, sweating, a burning sensation in the chest, shortness of breath, squeezing or pressure on the chest, and dizziness. 

How Can a Heart Doctor Treat This Condition?

When you experience any of the issues noted above, it’s important to visit your heart doctor for a screening. By understanding your symptoms, performing a physical exam, and conducting diagnostic tests, your physician can determine if you have CAD.

Once diagnosed, treatment will often include lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, embracing exercise, and adhering to a healthy diet that’s rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Medication such as aspirin can also help reduce your risk of a heart attack. For some patients, surgery—such as stent placement or bypass surgery—may be needed to ensure proper blood flow to the heart. 

Are you overdue for a cardiac screening? If so, schedule an appointment with DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Leonard DiVagno and his dedicated team are known throughout Bergen County, NJ, for providing personalized cardiac care using state-of-the-art equipment. To schedule an appointment at this modern and compassionate practice, call (201) 845-3535. For more information on their services and approach to treating cardiovascular problems, visit their website.