Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease can be difficult to detect and diagnose. At Aurora Health Care, we offer the most advanced tests and treatments for blocked arteries from heart experts who truly get to know you. Many of the latest care options are available right in your community so you can conveniently stay close to home.

What is coronary artery disease?

The most common type of coronary artery disease (CAD) happens when fatty deposits called plaque build up in the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart. The plaque deposits can block blood flow to your heart.

Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of death for both males and females in the U.S. As the condition worsens, it can lead to serious complications, such as:

• Hardened arteries. Plaque that builds up can harden over time, narrowing the arteries. This condition is called atherosclerosis. Your blood pressure may increase as well as your risk for blood clots, which can block an artery. A blocked artery can cause a heart attack or stroke.
• Weakened heart muscle. As the heart becomes weaker, it can lead to:
  • Heart failure, where the heart doesn’t pump the way it should
  • Arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat

What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease develops over the years. You might not even know you have it until it causes symptoms like chest pain (angina), shortness of breath or even a heart attack.
If you think you’re having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

Coronary artery disease can cause a range of symptoms. If you experience symptoms – but don’t think you’re having a heart attack – call your doctor.

What causes plaque buildup and blocked arteries?

There are certain risk factors for coronary artery disease, but fortunately, you can control many of them. Taking charge of your lifestyle can delay or reduce the risk of plaque buildup and blocked arteries – and we’re here to help.

How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?

Coronary artery disease develops slowly. This means it can occur without you even knowing until it causes symptoms. That’s why our cardiovascular experts are here for you with the knowledge and technologies to diagnose coronary artery disease as early as possible and get you the treatment you need.

First, we do a thorough physical exam and ask about your symptoms. We then choose from various advanced heart and imaging tests to evaluate your heart, coronary arteries and other blood vessels. Tests we may use include:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG), a test that helps your doctor check your heart’s electrical activity
• Echocardiogram, a heart ultrasound that uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart and nearby blood vessels
• Stress test, which is done while you’re exercising so that we can see how your heart functions when it works hard. If you’re unable to exercise, this test can be done with medication
• Blood tests to measure your oxygen levels and organ function
• Cardiac catheterization to help us understand what stage coronary artery disease has reached
• Radiographic imaging, such as chest X-ray or CT scan
• Computed tomography angiography (CTA), where we use dye to show the inside of your arteries
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), which is like a CTA but uses magnetic fields to create the images
• Electron beam CT scan (EBCT), sometimes called Ultrafast CT, where we use an electron gun to check for calcium buildup in your heart’s blood vessels
• Intravascular ultrasound, a highly advanced test in which we can see the inside walls of arteries. A cross-sectional view helps us pinpoint the exact location of the plaque and plan precise treatment.
• Nuclear cardiology imaging that helps us see how your heart is functioning and how well blood is flowing to your heart
• CT fractional flow reserve uses your CT scan to create a digital 3D model of your coronary arteries. With trained specialists and powerful computer algorithms, this technology calculates how much each blockage limits blood flow to your heart. This test is available at many Aurora Health Care hospitals.

Find out more about heart and vascular testing and diagnosis.

How is coronary artery disease treated?

If you’re diagnosed with coronary artery disease, we’ll recommend treatment to help improve the blood flow to your heart. We’ll talk with you about your treatment options, such as dissolving blood clots, working to reduce the plaque buildup or preventing a heart attack.

Your treatment plan, personalized to your exact situation, might include:

• Lifestyle changes to improve your coronary artery health and prevent further plaque buildup by:
  • Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains
  • Getting more exercise and losing weight
  • Getting your diabetes under control
  • Lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Quitting smoking
• Medications, such as:
  • Aspirin to reduce blood clots
  • Beta blockers to improve blood flow
  • Medicine to lower cholesterol
• Procedures to improve blood flow in your coronary arteries, such as:
  • Angioplasty, in which we thread a thin tube (catheter) through an artery in your groin or wrist to the blocked coronary artery and inflate a tiny balloon to widen it
  • Stenting, in which we place a small, metal mesh tube (stent) to hold your artery open
  • Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), where we reroute blood around blocked vessels and create a new, easier path for blood to flow to your heart. We perform nearly 1,000 CABG procedures every year with excellent results.
• Cardiac rehabilitation: After surgery, our cardiac rehab team can help get you on the road to recovery. And with our many facilities throughout Wisconsin, there’s likely one near you.