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The team at Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute has the experience and leading-edge technology to diagnose and treat CAD. We’re the most trusted heart health partner in the region with the ability to handle the toughest and most complex heart problems.
Artery wall plaque is made up of deposits of cholesterol and other substances in the artery. Plaque buildup causes the inside of the arteries to narrow over time, which can partially or totally block the blood flow. This process is called atherosclerosis.
Angina, or chest pain and discomfort, is the most common symptom of CAD. Angina can happen when too much plaque builds up inside arteries, causing them to narrow. Narrowed arteries can cause chest pain because they can block blood flow to your heart muscle and the rest of your body.
For many people, the first clue that they have CAD is a heart attack. Symptoms of heart attack include
- Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
- Weakness, light-headedness, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), or a cold sweat
- Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulder
- Shortness of breath
Over time, CAD can weaken the heart muscle. This may lead to heart failure, a serious condition where the heart can’t pump blood the way it should.
Treatments for coronary artery disease
If you are diagnosed with coronary artery disease, you may need coronary artery bypass surgery. Types of surgeries offered by Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute include:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
- Off-pump CABG (OPCAB)
- Multi-arterial bypass