Coronary Artery Disease

About 18.2 million American adults have coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is common, but it’s also deadly, so it’s important you seek prompt medical care. At Heart and Vascular Care in Plano, Texas, board-certified cardiologist Bhupinder Singh, MD, works with patients to treat, prevent, and minimize the risk of coronary artery disease, including recurrent heart attacks. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book online today.

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease is a serious cardiovascular condition that occurs when the major vessels that carry blood to your heart become damaged or diseased. Damaged coronary arteries develop coronary ischemia. This means they’re incapable of supplying your heart with the blood, nutrients, and oxygen it needs.

Coronary artery disease develops slowly over a lengthy period of time. As a result, you might not realize there’s a problem until you experience a significant blockage or heart attack. There’s no cure for coronary artery disease, but healthy lifestyle changes can ease uncomfortable symptoms and significantly improve your quality of life.

What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease doesn’t always produce symptoms early on. As the condition gets worse, signs include:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Neck pain
• Arm pain
• Back pain

If one of your coronary arteries becomes completely blocked, a heart attack occurs. A heart attack is life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.

How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?

To diagnose coronary artery disease, Dr. Singh conducts a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks you about the symptoms you’re experiencing. He also orders routine lab tests to rule out other potential health problems. 

Next, Dr. Singh conducts a diagnostic test, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or an echocardiogram. An ECG monitors your heart’s electrical impulses, and an echocardiogram uses soundwaves to produce images of your heart. Dr. Singh uses these tools to detect abnormalities with your heart’s ability to pump blood.

How is coronary artery disease treated?

Whenever possible, Dr. Singh recommends conservative measures of care to treat coronary artery disease. For example, you might benefit from quitting smoking, eating healthy foods, reducing your stress levels, and exercising regularly. 

If your symptoms don’t improve or they get worse, you might benefit from prescription drugs like beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or cholesterol-modifying medications. 

In severe cases, cardiovascular surgery may be necessary. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, Dr. Singh might recommend:

• Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG)
• A coronary stent
• Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
• Percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention (PTCI)
• Impella® heart pump
• Open heart surgery
• Ischemic cardiomyopathy intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)

Dr. Singh also offers in-office treatments for coronary artery disease, including cardiac rehabilitation and enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP). EECP is a noninvasive treatment designed to minimize the frequency of chest pain caused by stable angina.

To explore your treatment options for coronary artery disease, schedule an appointment at Heart and Vascular Care. Call the office or book online today.