Coronary artery disease develops when plaque—made up of cholesterol and other substances—builds up inside the coronary arteries. Over time, this buildup narrows or blocks the arteries, reducing oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of heart attack.
CAD is extremely common and affects millions of adults, often due to a combination of lifestyle and medical risk factors.
Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
Symptoms can vary depending on how severe the blockage is.
Common Symptoms
- Chest pain or pressure (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue with activity
- Dizziness or weakness
Some people may not experience noticeable symptoms until a serious event, such as a heart attack, occurs.
What Causes Coronary Artery Disease?
CAD is primarily caused by plaque buildup in the arteries, but several factors increase your risk:
- Smoking
- Physical inactivity
- Poor diet
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Family history of heart disease
Lifestyle factors play a major role, which is why prevention and early treatment are so important.
How Is Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed?
At Desert Cardiovascular Consultants in Las Vegas, diagnosis begins with a detailed consultation and evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors.
Testing May Include:
- Stress testing
- Echocardiogram
- Coronary angiography
- Vascular ultrasound
These tools help determine the presence and severity of arterial blockages and guide treatment decisions.
Coronary Artery Disease Treatment Options
Treatment is personalized based on your condition, symptoms, and overall cardiovascular health.
Lifestyle & Medical Management
For many patients, treatment starts with:
- Heart-healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Weight management
- Smoking cessation
- Medications for blood pressure or cholesterol
These changes can slow disease progression and improve overall heart health.
Minimally Invasive Interventional Cardiology
If blood flow is significantly reduced, interventional procedures may be recommended.
Procedures Offered Include:
- Angioplasty: to open narrowed arteries
- Stent Placement: to maintain blood flow
- Atherectomy: to remove plaque buildup
These treatments are performed using catheter-based techniques in a specialized lab—without traditional open surgery.
External Counterpulsation (ECP)
ECP is a non-invasive therapy that may help improve circulation by encouraging the development of new blood vessels in the heart.
It may be recommended for patients with ongoing symptoms or those who need additional support beyond standard treatment.
Why Choose Desert Cardiovascular Consultants?
Desert Cardiovascular Consultants provides comprehensive cardiac and vascular care in one location, making diagnosis and treatment more efficient.
What Patients Benefit From:
This “one-stop” approach helps patients receive coordinated care without unnecessary referrals.
Schedule Coronary Artery Disease Treatment in Las Vegas
If you have symptoms of coronary artery disease or risk factors for blocked arteries, early evaluation can help prevent serious complications. Call 725-726-3162 or book your appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coronary Artery Disease
Why is coronary artery disease so common?
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Why is coronary artery disease so common?
Coronary artery disease is common largely due to lifestyle factors such as smoking, lack of physical activity, and poor nutrition. These contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, which restricts blood flow to the heart.
Will I have chest pain if I have CAD?
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Will I have chest pain if I have CAD?
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 during a cardiology consultation?
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What happens during a cardiology consultation?
During your visit, your provider will review your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors, perform a physical exam, and recommend diagnostic testing if needed to evaluate for coronary artery disease.
What are the treatment options for coronary artery disease?
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What are the treatment options for coronary artery disease?
Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, non-invasive therapies like ECP, and minimally invasive procedures such as angioplasty and stenting to improve blood flow.
Can coronary artery disease be reversed?
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Can coronary artery disease be reversed?
While CAD cannot always be completely reversed, lifestyle changes, medications, and treatment can slow or even partially reduce plaque buildup and improve heart health.
What is the life expectancy with coronary artery disease?
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What is the life expectancy with coronary artery disease?
Life expectancy varies depending on severity, overall health, and how well the condition is managed. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes.
What are the early warning signs of blocked arteries?
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What are the early warning signs of blocked arteries?
Early signs may include fatigue, shortness of breath, and mild chest discomfort—especially during physical activity.
When should I see a cardiologist for CAD symptoms?
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When should I see a cardiologist for CAD symptoms?
You should seek evaluation if you experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, or have multiple cardiovascular risk factors.