Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) affects over 15 million people in the United
States. It is the leading cause of death for men and women. CAD affects the arteries
that supply blood to the heart. It occurs when the passageway through the coronary
arteries, or heart arteries, becomes narrowed by a buildup of plaque,
including cholesterol, fatty deposits, calcium, and other substances. Known as atherosclerosis,
this buildup occurs over time and reduces the flow of blood to the heart. Reduced blood flow
means less oxygen is getting to the heart. This may cause mild to severe chest pains
or pressure, sometimes called angina, which can spread to the arms or jaw. This
can happen during stressful times, during physical activities such as work or exercise,
or even at rest. If the flow of blood in a heart artery is blocked, a heart attack
can occur. Anyone who experiences chest pain or signs of a heart attack should seek
medical help as soon as possible.
Treatment of CAD
CAD may be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes such as exercise and
diet, and medical treatment. The treatment your doctor recommends will depend on
the severity of your disease. There are medicines that are given to relieve chest
discomfort due to blockages, but do not treat the blockage itself. Treatments of
the blockage may include:
- Medications
- Angioplasty with or without stent placement
- Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)
Medical Procedures
In addition to lifestyle changes and medications, there are also medical procedures
that may be performed.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)
CABG is also known as open heart surgery. During surgery, arteries or veins are
taken from another part of the body and used to reroute blood around blocked heart
arteries.
- Angioplasty
Also known as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Angioplasty
is a non-surgical procedure that is performed in the hospital by threading a small
tube (known as a catheter) through the groin or arm which is then passed through an artery
to the site of the blockage. A small balloon located on the tip of the catheter
is then slowly inflated to open the blockage. This procedure can be performed with
a balloon catheter alone, or can involve the placement of a coronary stent.
- Stent Implant
More and more patients who have an angioplasty also have what is known as "stent
placement."
Stents
look similar to the spring in a ball point pen. After the angioplasty procedure
opens the artery, a stent is placed and expanded to fit the size of the artery.
The stent remains in the artery to help keep blood flowing freely. Over time, the
artery wall heals around the stent.
For more information about Coronary Artery Disease, visit the following Web sites:
-
American Heart Association
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Medicinenet.com
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(Go to "Coronary Angioplasty" in the Diseases and Conditions section)