Conditions Treated
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease. It develops when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked by a build-up of fatty deposits, known as plaque. Over time, this restricts blood flow to the heart and can lead to chest pain, heart attack, or other serious complications.
Recognising the Signs
Symptoms
CAD can develop silently over many years before producing noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
Chest discomfort or pain (angina)
Often described as pressure, tightness, or squeezing — typically brought on by exertion or stress and relieved by rest.
Shortness of breath
Particularly during physical activity.
Fatigue
Persistent tiredness or reduced exercise tolerance.
Radiating discomfort
Discomfort spreading to the arm, jaw, neck, back, or shoulder.
Palpitations
A racing or irregular heartbeat.
Evaluation
Diagnosis
A thorough evaluation typically combines clinical assessment with diagnostic testing to determine the presence, location, and severity of coronary blockages:
Clinical history and examination
To assess risk factors and symptom pattern.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
To detect changes in heart rhythm or evidence of prior heart damage.
Blood tests
Including lipid profile and cardiac biomarkers.
Echocardiography
To assess heart structure and pumping function.
Treadmill stress test or stress echocardiography
To evaluate how the heart responds to exertion.
CT coronary angiography
A non-invasive scan that visualizes the coronary arteries.
Invasive coronary angiography
The gold-standard test in which a catheter is used to directly visualize blockages, often performed when intervention may be needed.
Tailored Care
Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to the severity of disease and individual patient factors, and generally falls into three categories:
Lifestyle and risk factor modification
Dietary changes, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and weight management.
Medical therapy
Medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, along with antiplatelet agents to reduce clot risk.
Interventional and surgical treatment
For significant blockages, options include:
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) with balloon angioplasty and stenting — including advanced techniques for complex blockages such as calcified lesions, bifurcation disease, and chronic total occlusions
- Intravascular imaging (IVUS/OCT)-guided intervention for precise stent placement
- Atherectomy techniques (rotational, orbital, or lithotripsy-assisted) to treat heavily calcified arteries
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), reserved for more extensive or complex disease, performed in coordination with cardiac surgery
Staying Ahead
Prevention
Many of the risk factors for CAD are modifiable, making prevention a powerful tool:
- Maintain a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat, salt, and processed sugar
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Avoid tobacco use in all forms
- Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar within recommended targets
- Manage body weight and stress levels
- Attend regular health check-ups, especially with a family history of heart disease
Early detection and consistent management of risk factors remain the most effective strategies for preventing coronary artery disease and its complications.
Consult Dr. Godbole
Concerned about your heart health?
From risk assessment and diagnosis to advanced coronary intervention, a careful, unhurried consultation is the first step towards protecting your heart.
Director & Senior Consultant · Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospital, Electronic City
