Get Treated for Coronary Artery Disease in Brooklyn

The building up of plaque along the walls of your arteries can lead to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), which is also called ischemic heart disease (IHD) and coronary heart disease. This buildup will eventually reduce the flow of blood through them, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. This disease accounts for as many as 370,000 deaths each year in America.

Symptoms

The presence of CAD is often revealed by angina, which can occur in several forms. Generally, it will feel like pressure or burning in your chest. This may be accompanied with weakness, sweating, nausea, and indigestion.

You may also have shortness of breath, and a heart attack. This can occur as a result of a blood clot in your arteries which blocks the normal blood flow. If you experience a heart attack, you may expect some of the following symptoms: chest pain that spreads, feeling unwell, dizziness, nausea, grayness in the face, perspiration, and coughing. If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

Causes

Coronary artery disease is believed to be caused by some damage to the wall of an artery. Plaque (cholesterol and other products) begins to deposit (atherosclerosis) at the site of the injury, which narrows the flow of blood. A piece of the material may break off, leading to the buildup of platelets and clotting to provide repair. This may lead to blocking the flow of blood, which leads to a heart attack.

Risk Factors

CAD is a major cause of death in the United States. Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing the disease. The major factors include having high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, being overweight, an inactive lifestyle, an unhealthy diet, family history, stress, alcohol, and age. Recent studies also add inflammation.

Diagnosis

When visiting a doctor for a diagnosis, you can expect several tests. These may include an x-ray, blood tests, electrocardiogram (EKG), stress tests, echocardiography (ECG), coronary angiography and cardiac catheterization.

Treatment

Being treated for CAD will involve a number of treatments, likely starting with various medications. Steps may also be taken to prevent further complications and reduce risk factors, such as widening your clogged arteries or bypassing them. Lifestyle changes will also be recommended.

When to See a Doctor

If you are having a heart attack, go to an emergency room at a hospital immediately. If you want an evaluation to see if you have CAD, make an appointment for an evaluation. People who have the risk factors, or who have a family history of CAD, or who are having some symptoms, should see a doctor quickly.

Prevention

Preventing CAD involves adopting basic healthy lifestyle changes. This means limiting salt intake, reducing high blood pressure and high cholesterol, getting to a healthy weight and maintaining it, stop smoking, limit alcohol intake, reducing stress, keeping up with a regular exercise program, and eating healthy.

Dr. Abdul Malik, MD is a Cardiologist who diagnoses and treats Coronary Artery Disease. In his more than 24 years of practice, he has taught young doctors in the fields of Internal Medicine and Cardiology.