Coronary Artery Disease Treatment in NOVA

What Is CAD?

Coronary artery disease is caused by plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) along the walls of the coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying blood to the heart. Over time, this plaque buildup can cause narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries and lead to highly increased risks for serious conditions such as a heart attack as it becomes more difficult for oxygen to travel through the blood to reach vital organs.

Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease as well as the leading cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women. It is important for individuals to know their risks of coronary artery disease, and to practice healthy habits every day that can help to significantly reduce their chances of complications caused by this condition. If you have a family history of heart disease or your child is exhibiting symptoms, contact The Children’s Heart Institute, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, to discuss your child’s diagnosis and treatment options. To schedule a consultation at our pediatric cardiology clinic in NOVA and Maryland, please call today.

Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Disease

• Being overweight
• Unhealthy eating
• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Age
• Family history of heart disease
• Diabetes

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

Some general signs that an individual may be suffering from coronary artery disease include:

• Upper body discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or upper part of the stomach
• Shortness of breath that may occur with or before chest discomfort
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Cold sweats
• Trouble sleeping
• Lack of energy

Coronary artery disease tends to lead to other health problems and conditions. If you experience any of the following complications, it may be due to coronary artery disease:

• Heart Failure: When the heart is unable to circulate enough blood throughout the body. Specific symptoms can include exaggerated fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling of the ankles and legs.
• Arrhythmia: An abnormal rate and rhythm of your heart that is often characterized by a skipping heartbeat.
• Heart Attack: When oxygen is entirely cut off to a section of the heart due to blockage.

Treatment for Coronary Artery Disease

The most common treatment for coronary artery disease is the coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). During this surgery, a bypass is created by grafting a piece of a vein above and below the blocked area of a coronary artery, enabling blood to flow around the obstruction. Donor veins are usually taken from the patient’s own leg, but arteries from the chest may also be used to create a bypass graft.

Robotic CABG procedures are becoming more common and can often benefit patients by resulting in a shorter recovery time and hospital stay as well as less scarring.