Expert Coronary Artery Disease in Patchogue, New Hyde Park & Hicksville
Coronary arteries carry oxygenated blood and nutrients to the heart. The consequences of a blocked, damaged or diseased coronary artery can be devastating. The most common cause of coronary artery disease is atherosclerosis, which occurs when plaque buildup narrows and inflames those critical vessels, decreasing blood flow to your heart. When you have atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, you are at increased risk for heart attack and other serious medical conditions.
While you might not notice any problems at first, coronary artery disease can eventually lead to a range of symptoms, including:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in your arm or shoulder
- Nausea
- Back or jaw pain
- Heart attack
Common risk factors for developing coronary artery disease include:
- Chronic, untreated high blood pressure
- Hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High stress
Coronary Artery Disease Treatment
If you are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, seek emergency medical treatment right away. If you are not having a heart attack but notice other symptoms of coronary artery disease, or believe you might be at risk for developing it, visit the doctors at Brookhaven Heart to discuss prevention and treatment options.
The most effective treatments for coronary artery disease include lifestyle changes, medical procedures and/or prescription drugs. Developing healthy habits like quitting smoking, regular exercise, weight loss and stress reduction, as well as eating a diet low in fat and processed foods and high in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, can significantly reduce your risk for coronary artery disease.
Additional treatments to discuss with your healthcare provider may include medication to lower cholesterol, daily low-dose aspirin, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Severe cases sometimes require surgical intervention, ranging from angioplasty with a stent placement to coronary artery bypass surgery.
Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosis
Coronary artery disease occurs when the blood vessels supplying the heart with blood, oxygen and nutrients become damaged or diseases. For a proper diagnosis, we use an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram or stress test.
Coronary Artery Disease Causes
The common causes of coronary artery disease include:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
Coronary Artery Disease Treatment Guidelines
Treatment for coronary artery disease includes a mix of lifestyle and home remedies paired with prescription medications, such as ranolazine or nitroglycerin. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to restore or improve blood flow.
Coronary Artery Disease Prevention
Prevention for coronary artery disease includes:
- Stop smoking
- Remain physically active
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce and manage stress levels
Symptoms of CAD
The symptoms of coronary artery disease include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Heart attack
Find Out More Today
The experienced cardiologists at Brookhaven Heart can help you identify your risks and map out a plan for prevention and treatment based on your unique situation. Schedule an appointment to learn more about coronary artery disease by calling 631-65-HEART (641-654-3278) today.
