Coronary artery disease is the process where blood vessels within the heart have diminished flow of blood passing through them.\u00a0 The disease happens when plaque develops in the blood vessels of the heart. Plaque is composed mainly of cholesterol. If you are a male over the age of 45 or a female over the age of 55 you may be at higher risk.\u00a0 Heredity also plays a role in coronary artery disease.
\nSymptoms of coronary artery disease:
\n\u2022\u00a0Chest pain
\n\u2022\u00a0Feeling tired
\n\u2022\u00a0Heart palpitations
\n\u2022\u00a0Abnormal EKG
\n\u2022\u00a0Shortness of breath
\nConservative treatment of coronary artery disease includes taking medications to help the flow of blood throughout the heart and the rest of the body. Taking a baby aspirin every day can also help in some cases. Diet and lifestyle changes are also recommended.
\nA surgical procedure, known as coronary artery bypass graft surgery ( CABG )\u00a0 involves taking a vein from another part of the body, usually the leg but can also be from the chest or wrist, and bypassing the blocked portion of the coronary artery. One or more coronary arteries may have to be bypassed and is frequently referred to as double bypass, triple bypass or quadruple bypass to indicate that number.
\nIn some cases\u00a0 there are no symptoms of coronary artery disease. It is very important to have an annual physical exam with an EKG. If any abnormalities are detected on an EKG or if the patient has symptoms, further testing, stress test, echocardiography, and coronary angiography, will be needed to determine the severity of the disease.\u00a0 Jamaica Hospital offers full diagnostic capabilities of coronary artery disease. To make an appointment with a cardiologist please call 718-206-6742.<\/p>\n
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Coronary artery disease is the process where blood vessels within the heart have diminished flow of blood passing through them.\u00a0 The disease happens when plaque develops in the blood vessels of the heart. Plaque is composed mainly of cholesterol. If … Continue reading