Coronary Artery Disease
Reid Health Heart & Vascular Center offers personalized care for coronary artery disease, the most common form of heart disease. Find prevention, care, and support close to home from providers you know and trust.
Expert care for coronary artery disease
Your heart keeps your body going. It pumps blood to all organs, tissues, and cells, but the arteries that deliver the blood can become blocked. When that happens, the team at Reid Health Heart & Vascular Center can connect you to treatments, support you through lifestyle changes, and help you find other ways to protect your heart.
What is coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease, also known as coronary heart disease, is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries. The condition can restrict blood flow to the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks. However, through lifestyle changes and personalized medical care, you can manage (or prevent) this common condition.
Why choose Reid Health
Your heart is in the right place
Reid Health offers comprehensive care for coronary artery disease, with a dedicated team of experienced providers throughout East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio. You can enjoy the convenience of receiving world-class heart care right in your own community, making it easier to manage your heart health effectively.
Risk factors for coronary artery disease
Some people are more likely to develop clogged arteries than others. Genetics can play a big role, as can the following risk factors:
- Age
- Being postmenopausal
- Diabetes
- Drinking alcohol
- Family history of coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- High LDL (bad) cholesterol
- Low HDL (good) cholesterol
- Smoking
Symptoms of coronary artery disease
Symptoms of coronary artery disease can vary from person to person. Some people might have early symptoms, while others won’t have any until they have a heart attack or begin experiencing heart failure. When symptoms appear, they can include:
- Chest pain: Also known as angina, chest pain is a common sign of a heart attack, but it can also happen with coronary artery disease. It occurs when the heart doesn’t get enough blood flow or oxygen. Some people experience crushing chest pain, while others feel mild discomfort. Chest pain can also feel like a heaviness on your chest or a sharp, burning sensation.
- Fatigue: You might feel tired, but a sudden drop in energy levels can also be a symptom of a heart attack.
- Shortness of breath: If your heart doesn’t beat properly, fluid can leak into your lungs, making it hard to breathe. You could have a hard time breathing during physical activity, while resting, and even while sleeping.
Diagnosing coronary artery disease
Your doctor will diagnose coronary artery disease based on your symptoms, history, risk factors, and test results. At Reid Health, we use advanced technology for accurate assessments, early detection, and personalized treatment for your needs.
- Blood tests
- Coronary calcium screenings
- Cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) scans
- Coronary angiography
- Electrocardiograms (EKGs)
- Stress tests
Reduce your risk of coronary artery disease
Treating coronary artery disease often starts with lifestyle changes. These same changes can help you prevent the disease, too.
- Eat a healthy diet: Limit your intake of processed foods, white flour, and sugar. Instead, focus on fruits, vegetables, lean meat, fish, and whole grains.
- Quit smoking: The nicotine in cigarettes can increase your blood pressure. High blood pressure is a risk factor for coronary artery disease.
- Reduce alcohol consumption: Drinking heavily can lead to heart tissue damage.
- Take heart medicine if you need to: Your provider might recommend various medications to manage coronary artery disease or risk factors, like high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol. Take them as directed so you benefit from them as much as possible.