Committed to Care
Cardiovascular diseases
Coronary artery disease
When the arteries that supply the heart develop atherosclerosis.
What is it
Coronary artery disease is mainly associated with the development of atheromatous plaques in the coronary arteries.
It can present with symptoms, but atherosclerosis can progress for years before becoming clinically apparent.
What symptoms need attention?
Symptoms that may need investigation include:
- chest pain, pressure or heaviness
- symptoms that occur with exertion
- unexplained shortness of breath or decreased stamina.
The same symptoms can have many other causes. The evaluation is based on the entire clinical picture.
How is the evaluation done?
There is no one-size-fits-all exam.
The choice depends on:
- symptoms characteristics
- age and risk factors
- clinical examination
- previous test results
- chance of coronary heart disease before screening.
How it is treated and monitored
Management includes control of risk factors and, when documented disease is present, appropriate drug or interventional strategy as appropriate.
When not to wait
New, severe, or persistent chest pain or pressure, especially when accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, severe weakness, or a tendency to faint, needs immediate medical evaluation rather than a scheduled appointment through the website.
In case of emergency call it 112 or the 166. Do not wait for a response from the contact form.