Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease in the United States, affecting more than 18 million people. Zia Khan, MD, FACC, FSCAI, is a skilled cardiologist at Desert Cardiovascular Consultants in Las Vegas, Nevada, who aggressively treats CAD. Dr. Khan offers advanced cardiology diagnostic testing and innovative treatments to improve heart health and quality of life. Call the office today or click the online booking button to schedule your coronary artery disease consultation. 

Why is coronary artery disease so common?

Anyone can develop coronary artery disease (CAD); however, certain factors increase risk. Researchers theorize that CAD is so common because of poor lifestyle choices like smoking, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition.

CAD occurs when there’s a buildup of plaque along the walls of the coronary arteries in your heart. Plaque is a sticky substance made up of cholesterol and other substances. 

Over time, the plaque narrows or blocks the artery, affecting the flow of oxygen-rich blood through the heart, putting you at risk of having a heart attack. 

Will I have chest pain if I have coronary artery disease?

You may experience chest pain during exercise if you have CAD. This type of pain is called angina and occurs because your heart isn’t getting enough oxygen. However, most people with CAD don’t have symptoms until their first heart attack. 

Symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Chest pain that worsens with activity
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness

If you have chest pain and think you’re having a heart attack, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately. 

If you have concerns about heart health and CAD because of your health or family history, schedule a consultation at Desert Cardiovascular Consultants.

What happens at a cardiology consultation for coronary artery disease?

Dr. Khan is an experienced cardiologist who takes a patient-centered approach to care. He asks detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits. He reviews your family history and performs a physical exam.

If Dr. Khan suspects CAD, he performs cardiology diagnostic testing to confirm or rule out his suspicions. Testing may include stress testing, echocardiogram, or coronary angiography.

What are the treatments for coronary artery disease?

Dr. Khan takes an aggressive approach to treating CAD. The specifics of your plan depend on the severity of your disease. Your plan may include:

• Getting to and maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Adding exercise to your day
• Quitting smoking
• Medication for high cholesterol or high blood pressure
• Heart medication

Desert Cardiovascular Consultants also offers external counterpulsation (ECP), a noninvasive therapy that stimulates the growth of new blood vessels in the heart. 

Dr. Khan also performs interventional cardiology procedures like angioplasty and stenting to open up the arteries and improve blood flow. 

Desert Cardiovascular Consultants provides all the necessary services to improve your heart health. Call today or use the online booking button to schedule an appointment.