Coronary Artery Disease Treatment in Columbus, GA
Coronary Artery Disease Care for Patients Throughout West Central Georgia and East Central Alabama
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a form of heart disease where the arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked or narrowed.
Once developed, coronary artery disease cannot be cured or reversed. However, it is manageable with compassionate care from Southeastern Cardiology. Through effective treatment methods, our cardiologists can help you prevent or slow its progression, protecting your heart and overall health.
settingsSchedule Treatment for Coronary Artery Disease Today: 706-243-4500
What Is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease that develops when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, become narrowed or blocked entirely. Blockage primarily occurs because of atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup on the artery walls. This plaque typically consists of fats and cholesterol. However, narrowing or blockage can also occur as a result of blood clots. Additionally, CAD can develop due to artery weakness, artery malfunction, and other nonobstructive issues with the arteries.
Regardless of how your coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked, the blockage limits or cuts off blood flow to the heart, which can lead to arrhythmia, heart attacks, heart failure, and other serious or life-threatening conditions.
While there is no medical cure for coronary artery disease, it can be managed with regular care from your Southeastern Cardiology team.
Coronary Artery Disease Treatment From Southeastern Cardiology
The heart specialists at Southeastern Cardiology offer thorough diagnosis and effective treatment for coronary artery disease. Once the patient is diagnosed with CAD, we establish a visiting schedule that involves, at minimum, one visit per year, along with a patient-specific medication regimen.
Exam
In the exam portion, you and your cardiologist will talk about your medical history and symptoms, including details like:
- Family history of cardiac issues
- Personal history with cardiac issues
- Lifestyle habits, such as diet and exercise routines
- Average alcohol consumption
- Average tobacco use
- Current medication regimen
You will also undergo a physical exam where your cardiologist will take your blood pressure, listen to your heart, and check for other physical signs of coronary artery disease or other heart complications.
Testing
In addition to a physical exam, we may also require tests like:
- Echocardiogram
- Stress test
Treatment
While it’s not possible to cure or reverse coronary artery disease, there are treatment methods to manage your condition and even improve your heart health. Some management efforts may include:
- Medications, including cholesterol-lowering medicine, low-dose aspirin, beta-blockers, and others
- Catheterization
- Surgical solutions, including stent placement or artery bypass grafting
- Improving diet
- Improving sleep
- Quitting smoking
- Quitting alcohol or drug use
- Lowering and controlling blood pressure
- Developing a more active lifestyle
Throughout CAD management, our cardiologists focus on providing guideline-directed medical therapy and decision-making shared between you and your cardiology team for the most effective and impactful care.
If you have CAD, compliance with your medication regimen is one of the most crucial aspects of managing your condition. If you stop taking a medication for any reason, you must inform your cardiologist or care team immediately.
Schedule a Coronary Artery Disease Evaluation: Call 706-243-4500 Today.
Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is most often associated with heart disease. There are a variety of symptoms, causes, and risk factors associated with CAD.
Coronary Artery Disease Symptoms
Symptoms vary from patient to patient, but common symptoms include:
- Angina (chest pain)
- Breathing difficulties
- Fatigue
- Physical weakness
- Pain in the upper body (arms, neck, back, shoulders, jaw, or upper belly)
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Cold sweats
- Swelling in the legs or feet
Coronary Artery Disease Causes
It’s possible to develop coronary artery disease as a result of:
- High blood pressure
- Genetics
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Tobacco use
- Poor diet
- Inactive lifestyle
Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors
You’re more at risk of developing coronary artery disease if you:
- Are 55 or older
- Are male
- Have a family history of coronary artery disease
- Have high blood pressure
- Have diabetes or insulin resistance
- Smoke or use other tobacco products
- Abuse alcohol
- Are inactive
- Eat a low-nutrient diet that’s high in salt, sugar, fat, and cholesterol
- Are overweight or obese
- Don’t get enough sleep
- Are often stressed
Southeastern Cardiology Cares for Your Heart
Southeastern Cardiology is dedicated entirely to your heart health for the benefit of your overall health and well-being. We strive to make sure you have a positive experience receiving cardiovascular care from our heart doctors by combining fast appointment scheduling with compassionate and honest communication and cutting-edge solutions. In addition to our coronary artery disease care, we offer healthcare solutions for all other cardiac conditions you may be experiencing or suffering from.
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Hypertension
- Other Conditions
Conditions We Treat
- In-Office Services
- In-Hospital Procedures