DR. PETCHA

Conditions

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD)—also known as ischemic heart disease—occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle, become narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits called plaques. This condition, called atherosclerosis, can silently build over years until one day it leads to a heart attack or heart failure.

3D illustration of the human heart with a close-up showing severe plaque buildup inside a coronary artery, representing atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis causes plaque to build up inside the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of heart attack

Coronary Artery Disease: How I Help Patients Reclaim Heart Health and Peace of Mind

When James, a 52-year-old father of three, came to see me, he thought his occasional chest discomfort was just indigestion. As a cardiologist and vascular medicine specialist, I’ve seen this story too many times. What he didn’t know was that his heart was giving early warning signs of coronary artery disease (CAD)—the most common and potentially life-threatening heart condition worldwide.

What Is Coronary Artery Disease—and Why Should You Care?

Coronary artery disease (CAD)—also known as ischemic heart disease—occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle, become narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits called plaques. This condition, called atherosclerosis, can silently build over years until one day it leads to a heart attack or heart failure.

There are two main types:

  • Obstructive CAD: Arteries are significantly blocked, restricting blood flow.
  • Nonobstructive CAD: Plaque is present but doesn’t completely block the artery—yet still raises the risk of serious cardiac events.
  • Even if you feel well today, CAD could be progressing quietly. Recognizing the signs early can save your life.

What Causes Coronary Artery Disease?

CAD doesn’t happen overnight. It develops from a mix of genetic, lifestyle, and medical factors that cause plaque buildup inside your artery walls. These plaques contain cholesterol, fatty substances, and inflammatory debris, which can rupture and trigger blood clots—the main culprit behind heart attacks.

Key risk factors include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Elevated LDL cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes or insulin resistance
  • Obesity and metabolic syndrome
  • Family history of early heart disease
  • Sedentary lifestyle and poor diet
  • Chronic inflammation (e.g., autoimmune diseases)
  • Understanding your risk profile is the first step in preventing future complications.

How Do You Know If You Have CAD? Symptoms to Watch For

CAD often hides in plain sight. Some patients have no symptoms until the condition becomes severe. For others, warning signs may include:

  • Chest pain or pressure (angina)—especially during physical exertion or stress
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
  • Heart palpitations or dizziness
  • Nausea, jaw or back pain (more common in women)
  • Don’t ignore these signals. Early intervention could mean the difference between prevention and a heart attack.

Diagnosing Coronary Artery Disease: What to Expect

At our clinic, we take a holistic, evidence-based approach to diagnosing CAD, combining your medical history, symptoms, and advanced diagnostic tools:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart rhythm
  • Cardiac stress test to observe heart function under exertion
  • Echocardiogram to evaluate heart muscle and valves
  • Coronary artery calcium scoring (CAC) to detect early plaque
  • CT angiography to visualize coronary artery blockages
  • Cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography, the gold standard for diagnosing obstructive CAD

As a cardiologist trained in both non-invasive diagnostics and catheter-based interventions, I’m here to guide you through every step.

What Happens If CAD Goes Untreated?

Left unchecked, CAD can lead to devastating complications:

  • Heart attack (myocardial infarction) from sudden artery blockage
  • Heart failure, when the heart weakens and can’t pump effectively
  • Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) due to poor oxygen supply
  • Chronic angina, causing daily discomfort and emotional stress
  • These outcomes are preventable—with the right care, at the right time.

Your Treatment Options: How We Help You Reclaim Control

Managing CAD isn’t about fear—it’s about empowerment. The treatment plan we create is tailored to your unique needs, combining lifestyle guidance, medication, and when needed, medical procedures.

✅ Lifestyle Changes That Matter

  • Heart-smart eating (Mediterranean-style diets)
  • Regular physical activity (150 minutes/week)
  • Weight management
  • Smoking cessation
  • Stress reduction and sleep optimization

💊 Medications That Save Lives

  • Statins to lower cholesterol
  • Aspirin to reduce clotting
  • Beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors to control blood pressure and workload

🏥 Advanced Interventions, When Necessary

  • Balloon angioplasty and stent placement
  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for severe blockages
  • These procedures are performed safely and effectively, often with rapid recovery and dramatic improvement in symptoms and quality of life.

Living Fully with Coronary Artery Disease

CAD is not a life sentence—it’s a wake-up call. With proper care, patients live long, fulfilling lives. Many benefit from cardiac rehabilitation programs that combine supervised exercise, education, and peer support.