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Coronary Artery Disease

Peachstate Advanced Cardiac & Endovascular Our Services Coronary Artery Disease

Peachstate Advanced Cardiac & Endovascular

Board Certified Interventional Cardiologist & Vascular Specialist located throughout Georgia.

Affecting more than 16.5 million people in the United States, coronary artery disease is the country’s leading cause of death in both men and women. At Peachstate Advanced Cardiac and Endovascular (PACE) located throughout Georgia, board-certified interventional cardiologist and vascular specialist Oghenerukevwe Odiete, MD, FACC, provides evidence-based, personalized care to patients with coronary artery disease. If you think you might have coronary artery disease, contact Peachstate Advanced Cardiac and Endovascular (PACE).

Coronary Artery Disease Q & A

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the coronary arteries begin to narrow or become clogged or hardened. This is typically the result of cholesterol or fat buildup in your artery walls. Because your coronary arteries supply blood to your heart, clogs and narrow arteries make it difficult to pass blood smoothly.

Over time, your coronary arteries can become narrowed or clogged to the point that your heart may not receive enough oxygen, leading to chest pain, or even a heart attack, in some cases.

What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?

Some of the most common coronary artery disease symptoms in both men and women include:

  • Chest tightness
  • Chest pain
  • Burning in chest
  • Squeezing pain in the chest
  • Heaviness in the chest
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Arm or shoulder pain
  • Shortness of breath

While women can experience the above CAD symptoms, they are also more likely than men to have:

  • Jaw pain
  • Back pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Men are more likely than premenopausal women to develop coronary artery disease. Other factors that put you at risk of developing CAD are:

  • Obesity
  • Stress
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Inactivity
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
  • Poor diet

Your chances of having coronary artery disease are also higher if you have a family history of CAD.

How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing coronary artery disease requires a comprehensive evaluation of your medical history, family health history, and a full physical exam. In addition, Dr. Odiete at Peachstate Advanced Cardiac and Endovascular (PACE) may order one or more of the following tests.

  • Electrocardiogram (EKG)
  • Stress test
  • Blood test for fats and cholesterol in the blood
  • Coronary calcium scan

A coronary calcium scan provides Dr. Odiete with vital information about your heart health if you are at risk of developing CAD, based on your family or health history. This specialized X-ray produces images of your heart, so he can measure plaque in your arteries before you even start showing symptoms of CAD.

How is coronary artery disease treated?

There are many ways to treat coronary artery disease, depending on your health risks and lifestyle habits. The most common CAD treatments include:

Coronary angioplasty and stenting

A coronary angioplasty is a procedure that widens the coronary arteries to prevent blockages and improve blood flow to the heart. The procedure involves inserting a small tube, called a stent, into the narrowed or clogged artery, which allows for smoother blood flow.

Lifestyle changes

Certain lifestyle changes can help ensure your arteries remain strong and unclogged. If you are at risk of developing CAD, you can improve your overall health by:

  • Quitting smoking
  • Reducing stress
  • Exercising regularly
  • Adopting a healthy diet
  • Losing weight

In addition, Dr. Odiete may recommend certain medications to lower your cholesterol and thin your blood.

To learn more about CAD prevention and treatment, contact Peachstate Advanced Cardiac and Endovascular (PACE).

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