Coronary Artery Disease Specialist in Fountain Valley, CA
Coronary artery disease is caused by plaque buildup along the walls of the coronary arteries, the arteries that supply blood to your heart. Over time, the plaque buildup could cause narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, a major reason for a heart attack. This build-up is called atherosclerosis. This makes it difficult for blood to deliver oxygen to vital organs and the brain and can also lead to blood clotting. Coronary Artery Disease is the most common heart disease and the leading cause of death in the U.S., for both men and women.
Dr. Daniel Bethencourt is a board-certified cardiac surgeon with extensive clinical and academic experience. If you have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease and are in need of treatment, call (657) 241-9440 to schedule an appointment at our office in Fountain Valley today!
What are the Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Disease?
Some Risk factors include:
- Being overweight
- Unhealthy eating
- Lack of physical activity
- High blood pressure
- Family history of heart disease
What are the Common Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary Artery Disease tends to lead to other complications and conditions and may be the root cause. Some general symptoms include:
- Upper body discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or upper part of the stomach
- Chest Pain (Angina). Some people describe it as a squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightening, burning, or aching across the chest.
- Shortness of breath (Dyspnea), which may occur with or before chest discomfort.
- Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), vomiting, light-headedness or fainting, or breaking out in a cold sweat
- Sleep problems, fatigue (tiredness), or lack of energy
However, if you have the following, it may be due to Coronary Artery Disease:
Heart Failure – When the heart fails to pump the proper amount of blood that your body needs. You may notice more fatigue, shortness of breath and swelling of the ankles and legs.
Arrhythmia – When there is an issue with the rate and rhythm of your heart. It tends to “skip beats”.
Heart Attack – When oxygen is entirely cut off to a section of the heart due to blockage.
How is Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed?
Treatment for Coronary Artery Disease
The most common treatment for Coronary Artery Disease is the Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG). During the surgery, a bypass is created by grafting a piece of a vein above and below the blocked area of a coronary artery, enabling blood to flow around the obstruction. Veins are usually taken from the leg, but arteries from the chest may also be used to create a bypass graft.
Robotic CABG procedures are becoming more common and result in a shorter recovery time and hospital stay as well as smaller scarring.
Schedule a Consultation
Consult with your cardiologist if you think you have symptoms of heart disease and contact The Bethencourt Group for more information about surgery for Coronary Artery Disease by calling (657) 241-9440.