Coronary Artery Disease Specialist

SWICFT Cardiology

Cardiology located in Naples, FL, Bonita Springs, FL, & Marco Island, FL

Coronary artery disease affects the blood vessels that supply your heart muscle. SWICFT Cardiology serves Southwest Florida with individualized evaluation and treatment to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of heart attack. Call the office for ongoing care. For new or severe chest discomfort or other possible heart attack symptoms, call 911.

239-261-2000

Coronary Artery Disease Q & A

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease develops when plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries that supply the heart muscle. Plaque can narrow these arteries and reduce blood flow. If plaque breaks open and a clot forms, blood flow can suddenly become blocked and cause a heart attack.

What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?

Some people have no symptoms. Others notice chest pressure or discomfort, shortness of breath, or reduced exercise tolerance. Angina is discomfort caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle, often during exertion or emotional stress.

Call 911 for new, severe, persistent, or worsening chest discomfort, discomfort at rest, or other possible heart attack symptoms. These may include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain in the arm, back, neck, or jaw. Do not drive yourself or wait for an appointment.

What increases my risk?

Risk factors include high LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, tobacco use, kidney disease, physical inactivity, and excess weight. Age and a family history of early heart disease also matter. Your cardiologist considers your overall risk, including inherited factors, when recommending prevention and treatment.

How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?

Your provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, examination, and prior tests. Testing is chosen to answer a specific clinical question and may include an electrocardiogram, blood tests, echocardiography, a stress test, or coronary CT angiography.

Stress testing, including SPECT or PET imaging, can evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle. Coronary CT angiography uses CT images and contrast injected through an IV to examine the coronary arteries.

When needed, invasive coronary angiography uses a catheter placed through an artery, usually at the wrist or groin, to deliver contrast and examine the coronary arteries. Your clinician will explain the benefits and risks of the recommended test. Routine repeat stress testing is not necessary for every patient whose symptoms and condition are stable.

How is coronary artery disease treated?

Lifestyle and risk-factor management

A heart-healthy eating pattern, appropriate physical activity, tobacco cessation, and management of blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes are central to care. Your team can help set practical goals. Cardiac rehabilitation may be recommended if you are eligible.

Medications

Statins and, when needed, additional cholesterol-lowering medicines help reduce cardiovascular risk. Other medicines may control angina, lower blood pressure, or reduce clot formation. The right combination depends on your condition and bleeding risk. Do not start aspirin or change prescribed treatment without discussing it with your clinician.

Procedures and surgery

Some patients benefit from a procedure to improve blood flow. Options include angioplasty with stent placement or coronary artery bypass surgery. Bypass is major surgery. Your cardiologist considers your symptoms, artery anatomy, other medical conditions, and treatment goals when discussing benefits and risks. Not everyone with coronary artery disease needs a procedure.

How do I manage coronary artery disease over time?

Keep follow-up appointments, take medicines as prescribed, and tell your care team about changes in symptoms or exercise tolerance. Your treatment plan may change as your needs change.

For ongoing care, call SWICFT Cardiology at 239-261-2000. For possible heart attack symptoms, call 911.