By Cross County Cardiology Education Team

Hello from Cross County Cardiology! Today, we’re diving into an important topic that affects millions: coronary artery disease (CAD). As heart health experts, our goal is to help you understand what CAD is, its causes, common symptoms, and the effective treatments available. Heart health is essential to a vibrant life, and understanding CAD is a big step toward keeping our hearts strong and healthy.

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle gradually narrow due to plaque buildup. Plaque forms from substances in the blood like cholesterol, fat, and other materials. High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol are some of the biggest contributors to this buildup, and over time, these narrowed arteries restrict blood flow to the heart.

The Impact of Coronary Artery Disease

CAD is one of the most common heart conditions in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 18.2 million adults are affected by it—that’s 6.7% of the adult population. This prevalence highlights the importance of awareness, as recognizing and addressing CAD can prevent serious complications.

Recognizing Symptoms of CAD

Symptoms of CAD typically don’t appear until the arteries are significantly narrowed, often around 70% blockage. When symptoms do arise, they can include:

• Chest Pain or Pressure (Angina): Often occurs with physical exertion or stress
• Shortness of Breath: Especially during activities
• Fatigue with Exertion: Feeling unusually tired when active

These symptoms are sometimes dismissed as minor, but early detection is crucial to avoid more severe heart issues.

Preventing and Treating Coronary Artery Disease

Preventive steps are our best defense against CAD. Key measures include managing blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, as well as maintaining an active lifestyle with regular aerobic exercise. However, even with preventive efforts, life events and genetics can still lead to CAD.

At Cross County Cardiology, our mission is to provide accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. For some patients, lifestyle changes and medications may be sufficient to control symptoms. For others, we offer advanced treatments like stenting.

How Stents Restore Blood Flow

When necessary, stenting is a highly effective treatment to restore blood flow. During this procedure, a tiny wire is inserted into the narrowed artery, and a small balloon inflates to push the plaque against the artery walls. A metal stent is then placed to keep the artery open, allowing blood to flow freely to the heart. This procedure can relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of future complications, helping patients regain their quality of life.

Cross County Cardiology: Here for Your Heart Health

Our team of experienced cardiologists is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. From monitoring your heart health to guiding you through preventive care and advanced treatment options, we’re here to ensure you stay on the path to a stronger, healthier heart. Coronary artery disease doesn’t have to limit your life—it can be the motivation to prioritize your well-being and embrace a more active lifestyle.

For more information on coronary artery disease and heart health, visit trusted sources like the CDC, NHLBI, and the American Heart Association.

At Cross County Cardiology, we’re committed to keeping you informed about your heart health. Today, we’re diving into an important topic: atherosclerosis. Often referred to as the "hardening of the arteries," this condition can sneak up on you, but with the right knowledge and proactive steps, you can manage it and reduce your risks.

What Is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a gradual process where plaque—a mix of cholesterol, fatty substances, and cellular waste—builds up inside your arteries. Over time, this plaque can narrow or block your arteries, limiting blood flow to your heart and other parts of your body. If left unchecked, this can lead to serious complications, including heart attacks and strokes.

How Does It Happen?

The process of atherosclerosis involves your body’s immune system. Here’s how it works:

• Risk factors like high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, or high blood pressure cause damage to your artery walls.
• Cholesterol enters the artery walls, triggering your immune system to react as if fighting an infection.
• This response leads to even more plaque build-up, narrowing your arteries and making it harder for blood to flow.

The Numbers Speak Volumes

The statistics around atherosclerosis are a wake-up call.

• 85.6 million Americans live with cardiovascular disease or have experienced a stroke.
• 98.6 million American adults have high cholesterol, which puts them at risk for atherosclerosis.

Early Detection Is Key

You don’t have to wait for symptoms to take action. Here’s how to stay on top of your heart health:

• Monitor your cholesterol levels regularly.
• Consider medications like statins, which can help manage high cholesterol.
• Make lifestyle changes: Exercise, eat a heart-healthy diet, and avoid smoking.

Symptoms to Watch For

If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s time to see a doctor:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

How Is Atherosclerosis Diagnosed?

There are several ways your doctor can confirm whether you have atherosclerosis:

• Stress testing: This checks how well your heart performs under physical stress.
• Cardiac catheterization: This test provides a detailed look at how well your arteries are functioning.

Take Action for Your Heart Health

Fighting atherosclerosis is about being proactive. Here’s what you can do:

• Stay informed and recognize the signs.
• Follow your doctor’s advice and take prescribed medications.
• Stick to a heart-healthy lifestyle—it’s your best defense.

At Cross County Cardiology, we’re here to support you in managing atherosclerosis and other heart conditions. Prevention is always better than cure, and it starts with staying educated.

Ready to take control of your heart health? We’re here to help every step of the way.