Coronary Artery Disease

25 March 2025

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease and a leading cause of heart attacks.

What is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

Coronary artery disease develops when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become hardened and narrowed due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). This reduces oxygen supply to the heart, leading to chest pain (angina) and increasing the risk of a heart attack.

Signs & Symptoms

CAD can develop over many years, often without noticeable symptoms until the blood flow is severely restricted. Some common symptoms include:

Chest Pain or Discomfort (Angina) – Pressure, tightness, or burning in the chest
Shortness of Breath – Difficulty breathing, even during mild activity
Fatigue – Feeling unusually tired, especially with exertion
Pain in the Arms, Neck, Jaw, or Back – Discomfort spreading from the chest
Heart Palpitations – Irregular or rapid heartbeat
Dizziness or Nausea – Feeling lightheaded, weak, or sick

In severe cases, CAD can lead to a heart attack. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden dizziness, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Potential Causes & Risk Factors

CAD is caused by a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries. Several factors increase the risk of developing CAD, which include;

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Increases artery strain
High Cholesterol Levels – Leads to plaque buildup
Smoking – Damages artery walls and reduces oxygen supply
Diabetes – Raises the risk of atherosclerosis
Obesity – Contributes to high blood pressure and diabetes
Lack of Exercise – Weakens heart and vascular health
Unhealthy Diet – High in saturated fats and processed foods
Chronic Stress – Can raise blood pressure and cholesterol
Family History of Heart Disease – Genetic predisposition increases risk

Diagnosis

At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we offer advanced diagnostic tests to detect and assess CAD, including:

Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Measures heart electrical activity
Echocardiogram – Uses ultrasound to assess heart function
Exercise Stress Test – Evaluates heart performance during physical activity
CT Coronary Angiography – Non-invasive imaging of coronary arteries
Cardiac Catheterization (Angiogram) – Provides detailed images of blockages

Early diagnosis of CAD is essential to prevent heart attacks and serious complications.

Treatment Options

Treatment for CAD focuses on improving heart function, restoring blood flow, and reducing risk factors. Available options include:

Lifestyle Changes

Heart-Healthy Diet – Low in saturated fats, salt, and processed foods
Regular Exercise – Helps improve heart function and circulation
Smoking Cessation – Reduces further artery damage
Weight Management – Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol

Medications

Blood Thinners (Aspirin, Clopidogrel) – Reduces clot formation
Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs (Statins) – Prevents plaque buildup
Beta-Blockers & ACE Inhibitors – Helps manage blood pressure and heart function
Nitrates – Improves blood flow and reduces chest pain

Medical Procedures & Surgery

Coronary Angioplasty & Stenting – Opens narrowed arteries using a small balloon and stent
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) – Creates a new path for blood flow using a blood vessel graft
Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) – Non-invasive therapy to improve circulation

Our expert cardiologists will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your condition and risk factors.

Monitoring and Follow-Up Care

Managing coronary artery disease requires regular check-ups and ongoing care. At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we can provide:

Routine Cardiac Assessments – Regular monitoring of heart health
Medication Management – Adjustments to optimize treatment
Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs – Guided exercise and lifestyle support
Preventive Screenings – Identifying risks before complications arise

Our goal is to help you live a heart-healthy life while reducing the risk of heart attacks and complications.

Arranging To Visit A Private GP

At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide fast diagnosis, expert treatment, and ongoing care to support recovery and reduce future risk. Make an appointment with one of our private GPs who can refer you to our specialist cardiologist. Appointments are available to everyone and can often be booked for the same day. There is no need to be registered with our The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, or live locally.

If you have insurance which covers a GP visit, we can in most cases invoice the insurer directly. Where you are paying directly, the cost for a 30 minute consultation is £100.

Any additional costs will always be discussed. They could apply if you are referred for an MRI scan, or to a consultant, or for other agreed decisions to support your health.

Our Resident Private GP

Dr Chamali is welcoming and highly experienced. He offers his patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on their future health.