Coronary Artery Disease Treatment in London

What is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as Ischaemic Heart Disease or Coronary Heart Disease, occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart, become narrowed or blocked by a fatty substance called plaque. This process is known as atherosclerosis, a serious medical condition that needs urgent care.

What Causes Coronary Artery Disease?

The leading cause of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the buildup of atheroma or plaque on the inner walls of the coronary arteries. Plaque may consist of cholesterol, fatty deposits, calcium, or other substances that narrow the arteries over time. Some other causes include:

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

CAD doesn’t occur instantly; instead, it progresses unnoticed and symptomless for decades. Not all Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) patients experience the same signs; some common symptoms include:

Angina or Chest Pain 

Typically described as a heaviness, squeezing, or burning sensation in the chest. The pain is triggered by exercise or stress and radiates to your arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, or back.

Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing, particularly during physical activity or exertion.

Extreme Fatigue and Dizziness

Unusual and extreme tiredness or lack of energy, along with lightheadedness or dizziness, even during mild physical activity.

Heart Attack

Sudden, intense chest pain, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath may indicate a heart attack, a severe complication of CAD.

Types of Coronary Artery Disease

Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease

Obstructive CAD occurs when fatty plaque accumulates in the arteries, narrowing and blocking them. A restricted blood flow may cause a heart attack that requires urgent medical attention. 

Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease

Non-obstructive CAD is more common in females and is caused by microvascular dysfunction, endothelial damage, or coronary vasospasm, leading to disrupted blood flow and ultimately cardiac dysfunctions.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Disease (SCAD)

It is a rare condition that occurs unexpectedly due to a tear in the wall of the coronary artery, causing a partial or complete blockage of blood flow. 

Triple Vessel Coronary Artery Disease

Triple Vessel CAD is a severe form where all major arteries supplying blood to the heart are blocked by plaque. This condition restricts the blood flow completely, causing a sudden cardiac arrest.

Diagnostic Approach for CAD at The National Heart Clinic

At The National Heart Clinic, we offer a personalised diagnostic approach for CAD, led by our specialists. We provide an in-depth assessment of your heart health through non-invasive screenings, advanced imaging, and diagnostic scans.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Records the heart’s electrical activity to detect any abnormalities, signs of previous heart attack, or ischaemia. 

Stress Testing (Exercise Stress Test or Stress ECG)

Stress tests, such as Exercise Stress Test or Stress ECG, measure your heart’s response to physical activity, performed through treadmill activity or triggered by medicines.

Echocardiogram

Takes images of the heart using sound waves to assess the heart’s pumping and valvular functions and detect any cardiac muscle damage.

Coronary Angiography

Coronary angiography, also known as cardiac catheterization, is an invasive procedure. A dye is injected into the coronary arteries to visualize blockages or narrowing through X-ray images (angiograms).

Cardiac MRI 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the heart creates detailed images of the heart to assess the presence and severity of plaque buildup.

Blood Tests

Measure cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and cardiac enzymes to determine the risk of CAD and detect any heart muscle damage. 

Carotid Artery Ultrasound

Involves scanning the carotid artery in the neck to determine the size of plaque. Combined with the coronary artery calcium score, it provides a detailed assessment of cardiac health.

Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)

A non-invasive imaging test that creates detailed cross-sectional images of the coronary arteries through X-rays and computer technology. CTA detects the severity of blockage and the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries, causing atherosclerotic plaque. 

How Our Specialists Help You Manage Coronary Artery Disease?

Through clinical excellence and advanced diagnostic technology, our specialists manage CAD effectively. From accurate diagnosis to long-term care plans, we help you better manage your heart health with confidence and clarity. Our specialists might suggest further investigations based on your specific symptoms and medical history, such as:

See a CAD Specialist Today

Consulting a CAD consultant is the first step in detecting coronary artery disease early. Since many people experience no symptoms until serious complications arise, early evaluation is vital. More importantly, if you have diabetes, thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or a family history of heart disease, we highly recommend regular heart check-ups.

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