How to Treat Coronary Artery Disease

As you’ll find, a licensed cardiologist, or heart doctor, has many tools at their disposal to manage and treat coronary artery disease. If you are looking for a nearby cardiologist in the area, you are always welcomed to call Cardiovascular Specialists of York to schedule a convenient appointment.

Understanding Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease, often referred to simply as heart disease, happens when the coronary arteries struggle to provide the heart with an adequate supply of blood, oxygen, and essential nutrients.

The coronary arteries are responsible for nourishing the heart muscle and ensuring its continuous and efficient operation. When these arteries become clogged or narrowed due to cholesterol deposits, the heart's function is compromised. This can lead to serious health complications.

Recognizing Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

When it comes to treating heart disease, and any disease really: early detection and intervention is key. You should see your primary care physician for routine checkups, and arrange an examination if you notice chronic or severe symptoms. Common signs of coronary artery disease include, but are not limited to:

• A persistent, squeezing chest pain or discomfort, potentially radiating to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, and/or back.
• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity, can signal an inadequate oxygen supply to the heart.
• Irregular heartbeats or palpitations.
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness.

Heart health is nothing to take lightly, and it is always advisable to see a physician as soon as possible if you experience symptoms of heart disease.

Causes of Coronary Artery Disease

They say an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure, and there are preventative measures you can take to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. These measures should focus on primary causes, which include:

• High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the bloodstream.
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Tobacco use.
• Diabetes.
• A genetic predisposition to coronary artery disease.

Treating Coronary Artery Disease

Fortunately, licensed cardiologists have a few treatment options to address coronary artery disease. The most important thing to do is adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and stress management.

There are also various medications which can lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood clotting, and control blood pressure. In more severe cases, minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty and stenting can open blocked arteries, restoring blood flow to the heart.

For more complex cases, coronary artery bypass grafting surgery may be recommended. This involves using blood vessels from elsewhere in the body to bypass blocked coronary arteries.

Consult with a Licensed Cardiologist

If you suspect or are worried about coronary artery disease, then make sure to see your physician or cardiologist to share your concerns. Residents looking for a licensed cardiologist in the area can call Cardiovascular Specialists of York to schedule an appointment today.