Understanding Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Coronary Artery Disease, often referred to as CAD, is a common heart condition that occurs when the blood vessels supplying oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked by a buildup of plaque. This plaque is made up of cholesterol, fatty deposits, and other substances that accumulate over time, restricting blood flow to the heart.
When the coronary arteries are narrowed, the heart may not receive an adequate supply of blood and oxygen, leading to symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, and in severe cases, heart attack.
Our Services for Coronary Artery Disease
At James River Cardiology, we offer a comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to effectively manage coronary artery disease and promote heart health. Our team of skilled cardiologists and cardiac specialists is dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to each patient's needs. Here are some of the services we offer:
Diagnostic Procedures:
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Coronary Angiography: A diagnostic procedure to visualize the coronary arteries using imaging techniques to identify blockages or narrowing caused by CAD.
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Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): A non-invasive test to record the electrical activity of the heart and detect abnormal rhythms or signs of ischemia (lack of blood flow to the heart muscle).
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Stress Test: A test to evaluate how the heart responds to physical stress, usually performed on a treadmill or with medication, to assess blood flow to the heart during exercise.
Therapeutic Procedures:
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Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): Also known as coronary angioplasty, PCI is a minimally invasive procedure to widen narrowed or blocked coronary arteries using a balloon catheter and, in many cases, placement of a stent to keep the artery open.
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Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): A surgical procedure to create new routes for blood flow to the heart by bypassing blocked or narrowed coronary arteries using grafts from other blood vessels.
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Atherectomy: A procedure to remove plaque buildup from the walls of the coronary arteries using specialized catheters and devices.
Comprehensive Care for Heart Health
In addition to these procedures, we provide comprehensive medical management, lifestyle counseling, and cardiac rehabilitation to help patients manage their condition effectively and improve their quality of life. Our team is committed to staying at the forefront of research and innovation in coronary artery disease management to offer our patients the best possible care.
If you're experiencing symptoms of coronary artery disease or have concerns about your heart health, don't hesitate to contact us for an evaluation. Together, we can develop a personalized treatment plan to address your needs and optimize your heart health.
