Coronary Artery Disease

Phoenix Heart -  - Cardiologist

Phoenix Heart

Cardiologists located in Glendale, Goodyear, Scottsdale, Anthem, Black Canyon City & Avondale, AZ

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of heart disease-related death in the United States. The team of cardiologists at Phoenix Heart strives to help prevent, diagnose, and effectively treat your coronary artery disease, with the goal of lowering your risk for heart attack and keeping your heart as healthy as possible. For an expert evaluation, call or book an appointment online with a Phoenix Heart location in Glendale, Goodyear, Anthem, Buckeye, Laveen, Cottonwood, or Black Canyon City, Arizona.

Coronary Artery Disease Q & A

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition of the blood vessels that feed the heart muscle, where fatty deposits and inflammation block adequate blood flow.  

The coronary arteries feed the muscle responsible for the pumping action of the heart. When this muscle doesn’t receive adequate blood supply, it doesn’t receive sufficient oxygen. When this happens, the muscle is damaged and can’t function properly, causing the body to be deprived of oxygen-rich blood.

CAD, or coronary heart disease, is the most common type of heart disease. It’s the leading cause of heart attack in the United States and contributes to 1 in every 4 deaths annually.

What Causes CAD?

A leading contributing factor to coronary artery disease is another condition called atherosclerosis. This condition causes clogging, narrowing, and hardening of the arteries. CAD happens when the vessels of the heart are affected by atherosclerosis.

Other contributing factors include:

  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Family history
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • High-fat diet

 

These risk factors can place you at significant risk for having blocked arteries and veins in the heart and throughout your body. You can decrease your risk of heart disease and CAD-related complications by making healthy lifestyle changes and obtaining excellent cardiovascular care.

What are Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease?

Some people with CAD have mild symptoms that come and go. Others may have no symptoms at all until the heart already has suffered significant damage.

Having regular cardiac checkups is an important step in preventing cardiac damage, especially if you have symptoms such as:

  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Heaviness, pressure, or tightness in your chest
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Spreading pain in the jaw, arms, shoulders, neck, or back

 

If you have these symptoms, especially with sudden onset, it’s important you seek medical attention immediately.

How is CAD Diagnosed?

To diagnose your coronary artery disease, your provider may order:

  • Echocardiogram, or cardiac ultrasound
  • Stress echocardiogram
  • Nuclear stress testing
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG)
  • Blood tests, including cardiac enzymes
  • Coronary angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization

 

These tests can help your Phoenix Heart doctor visualize the arteries of your heart, and identify areas where blockages are, before they cause serious damage to your heart muscle.

For an evaluation of your coronary arteries, call today or book an appointment online with Phoenix Heart.

image here

Heart Care

Cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. We treat all ranges of conditions that affect the heart.

Learn More
image here

Vein Care

We diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions, injuries, and diseases related to the veins in the body.

Learn More
image here

Vascular Care

Our cardiologists take a multidisciplinary approach to vascular care. Our care team provides surgical and non-surgical vascular treatment options to keep you healthy.

Learn More
image here

For Patients

Get the information you need before your appointment, access our online portal, forms, prescription refills and more.

Learn More