Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary Artery Disease results when the coronary arteries–the major blood vessels that feed your heart with nutrients, blood and oxygen–become clogged or diseased. Fatty deposit buildups known as plaques are the most common cause of coronary artery disease, which results in less oxygen-rich blood flowing to your heart. Constricted blood flow can lead to angina (chest pain) or shortness of breath. Complete blockage can lead to a heart attack.

MetroSouth Medical Center has a full team of heart care specialists experienced in successfully treating patients with coronary artery disease. Their patients benefit from the thousands of patients this team has collectively cared for, the numerous research studies they have participated in and their uniquely individualized approach to caring for their patients.

In addition to advancing the field of treatment options for coronary artery disease, the physicians at MetroSouth Medical Center treating coronary artery disease also spend a significant amount of time educating patients and referring physicians on how to prevent the disease in the first place.

Critical to the prevention of coronary artery disease is the identification and early intervention with patients at highest risk. These patients include smokers, diabetics, patients with high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, a family history of heart attack and those with excess weight. Patients with more than one of these risk factors (for example, a diabetic who smokes) should discuss with their physician the value of a screening test, such as a stress test or CT scan. Patients with abnormal results from their screening tests should be referred to a cardiologist.

To schedule an appointment with a MetroSouth Medical Center cardiologist, please call 708-489-7925.