Coronary Artery Disease Treatment in Watauga - Fort Worth, TX

Coronary artery disease (also called CAD) occurs when the arteries that supply the heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood become clogged. Coronary arteries wrap around the outside of the heart and branch in many directions to feed the heart muscle as it works.

According to the National Institutes of Health, coronary artery disease is the #1 killer of men and women in the United States.

Are you at risk for coronary artery disease? Call (817) 203-2760 or contact Ms. Jessica Stangenwald online to find out more.

Coronary Artery Disease Causes

Many lifestyle factors including genetics and your diet can contribute to the development of plaque inside the arteries. Plaque is a waxy, sticky substance that can line the insides of the artery's tube.

Over time this plaque can come together enough to completely clog an artery—stopping blood from flowing forward to the heart.  This causes a heart attack and death of the heart muscle.

In some cases, plaque may break away and form a clot that can lodge in the brain and cause a stroke . Both heart attack  and strokes are medical emergencies.

Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors

Many of the risk factors associated with coronary artery disease can be changed.  These include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Unhealthy diet
• Stress
• Lack of exercise

Other factors like your age, gender and family history can't be changed.

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

Symptoms of coronary artery disease are similar to those of heart disease in general and may include:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath

• Heart attack

Coronary Artery Disease Treatment

If your healthcare provider identifies risk factors for coronary artery disease, he or she is likely to prescribe a variety of lifestyle changes, medications and/or medical procedures to improve blood flow.

Treatments of coronary disease may include:

• Lifestyle changes:
  • Stop smoking
  • Exercise
  • Eat a low fat, healthy diet
  • Reduce stress
  • Lose weight
• Medications:
  • Cholesterol lowering drugs
  • Aspirin to help thin the blood
  • Nitroglycerin to control chest pain
  • Beta blockers to lower your heart rate
  • Blood pressure lowering medicines
• Surgical procedures:
  • Angioplasty and stent placement
  • Bypass surgery

Request More Information

To learn more about coronary artery disease, please call (817) 203-2760 or contact Ms. Jessica Stangenwald online.