To schedule an evaluation with a Frankel Cardiovascular Center physician, call 888-287-1082. Or visit the Make a Cardiovascular Appointment page to learn what to expect when you call us.

Individuals with CAD also have a risk for blood clots that can cause a heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction). This happens when plaque in an artery ruptures, triggering the body’s blood-clotting response. A clot forms around the rupture and blocks off blood flow and oxygen to the heart, causing a heart attack. With blood flow to the heart interrupted, part of the heart muscle can become permanently damaged or destroyed.

Your doctor will diagnose coronary artery disease based on a number of factors, among them your medical and family histories, a physical exam and one or more diagnostic tests.

Visit our Health Library to learn more about these potential diagnostic tests:

• EKG (Electrocardiogram)
• Stress test (Exercise electrocardiogram)
• Echocardiography
• Chest X-ray
• Blood tests
• Electron-beam computed tomography
   

Treatments for coronary artery disease may comprise of a number of options, including lifestyle changes, medicines, medical procedures and cardiac rehabilitation.

Coronary artery disease can often be prevented, or effectively treated, with lifestyle improvements and medications. Healthy diet, increased physical activity, weight loss, smoking cessation and reduced stress can lead to impressive results. Medicines used to treat CAD include anticoagulants, aspirins, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, nitroglycerin and more.

If you need a medical procedure to treat CAD, you and your doctor can discuss which of these two treatments is right for you:

1. Angioplasty and Stenting
2. Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)

Almost all CAD patients can benefit from cardiac rehabilitation. Physical training encourages safe exercise practices, strengthens your muscles and improves your stamina. Education and counseling help you understand your heart condition and find ways to reduce the risk of future heart problems. When combined with medicine and surgical treatments, cardiac rehabilitation can help you recover faster, feel better, and establish a healthier lifestyle.

For patients with complex coronary artery disease, treatment requires a different type of expertise. For this diverse, difficult-to-treat population, our complex coronary disease specialists provide a wide variety of innovative and advanced treatment options to open up blocked arteries. These range from percutaneous coronary interventions and open surgical procedures to specialized medical management.