More than 18 million adults in the United States have coronary artery disease, making it the most common heart disease in America and the leading cause of heart disease-related death. Heart One Associates' team of leading cardiologists provides state-of-the-art cardiovascular care to people living in and around Peoria, Buckeye, and Phoenix, Arizona. Take control of your heart health today. Call the practice today to schedule a heart health assessment or request an appointment online.
Coronary arteries send blood to the heart muscle — the muscle responsible for creating the heart's pumping action. Coronary artery disease (CAD) affects the blood vessels sending blood to this muscle, preventing it from receiving a sufficient oxygen supply. Oxygen starved, the heart can't function properly.
If you have concerns about your heart health, schedule a heart health assessment at Heart One Associates.
You may experience CAD symptoms that come and go, which allows you to seek treatment before your heart condition gets worse. However, for some people, a heart attack is their first sign that they have this disease. Common CAD symptoms include:
You can prevent cardiac damage by having regular cardiac checkups with your provider at Heart One Associates.
CAD happens when fat and cholesterol accumulate on the coronary artery walls and harden into a substance called plaque. As plaque builds up, the arteries get narrower and harder for blood to flow through or may even become blocked altogether.
However, coronary artery disease begins even before this process, when the insides of the arteries become damaged. The fatty deposits stick to the point of injury. Factors that cause coronary artery damage include:
You may also be more at risk of developing CAD if you have a family history of the disease. If you think you may be at high risk of developing CAD, speak to your provider at Heart One Associates about your concerns.
Based on how advanced your CAD is, your doctor creates a custom treatment program that may include medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes — or a combination of all three.
Medication can thin the blood and treat high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Procedures like coronary stents and angioplasty widen the coronary arteries.
Eating well, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels and support a healthy weight.
Keep your heart healthy when you partner with the team at Heart One Associates. Call the practice today or request an appointment online.