Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Coronary Artery Disease is the most common form of heart disease - and the leading cause of heart attack in adults. At MVM, we diagnose, treat, and follow CAD patients across the full pathway, from first symptoms to long-term prevention.
What is coronary artery disease?
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. The cause is almost always atherosclerosis - gradual buildup of cholesterol-rich plaque along the artery walls.
As the channel for blood narrows, the heart muscle may not get enough oxygen during exertion or stress. This often shows up first as chest pressure or shortness of breath. If a plaque ruptures and a clot forms, blood flow can stop suddenly - that is a heart attack.
CAD is the most common form of heart disease in the United States. The good news: it's also one of the most treatable. With modern medical therapy and minimally invasive intervention when needed, most CAD patients live full, active lives.
How MVM treats CAD.
Patients and referring physicians choose MVM for coronary disease because the full pathway - diagnosis, intervention, and long-term follow-up - happens under one roof with one specialist.
- Same-week consults. New CAD patients are typically seen within 5 business days. Chest pain that may be cardiac is triaged for same-day evaluation when possible.
- In-office cardiac testing. EKG, echocardiogram, and stress testing are performed in our office - most patients leave the first visit with a diagnosis and a plan.
- Interventional cardiology. Diagnostic angiography, angioplasty, and stenting performed by the same physician who manages your care - no fragmented handoffs.
- Second-opinion friendly. If you've been told you need a stent, bypass, or further procedure, we routinely review imaging and offer an independent assessment.
- Risk-factor management. Cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes are managed alongside the coronary disease itself - because CAD never travels alone.
- One specialist, full continuum. The doctor who diagnoses you also performs your procedures and manages your follow-up.
Schedule a CAD consultation.
Most patients are seen within a week. Bring any prior imaging or stress tests, your medication list, and a written summary of your symptoms.
Schedule a consultationSend us a CAD referral.
Same-week consults for stable patients; same-day for active chest pain when clinically appropriate. Closed-loop reporting back to your office within 48 hours of the visit.
Referral processCommon CAD symptoms.
Symptoms often appear during exertion or stress and ease with rest. Early CAD can be silent - especially in women and people with diabetes.
- Chest pressure, tightness, or discomfort (angina), often triggered by exertion
- Shortness of breath with activity or at rest
- Pain radiating to the jaw, neck, shoulder, or left arm
- Unusual fatigue with everyday tasks
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Nausea or sweating with chest discomfort
- Palpitations or a sense the heart is racing
- Reduced exercise tolerance compared to baseline
Who is most at risk.
- High cholesterol - particularly elevated LDL
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes or pre-diabetes
- Smoking (current or past)
- Family history of premature coronary disease
- Age - risk rises for men after 45, women after 55
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
- Chronic kidney disease
How we diagnose CAD at MVM.
Most patients leave their first visit with a clear diagnosis - and a plan.
- Focused history and exam - including a careful symptom and risk-factor review
- EKG - performed in our office at the first visit
- Echocardiogram - ultrasound of the heart to assess function and structure
- Stress testing - exercise or pharmacologic, with imaging when indicated
- Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) - non-invasive imaging to map the coronary arteries
- Diagnostic cardiac catheterization - the gold-standard test when intervention may be needed
Treatment options.
CAD is treatable at every stage. The plan depends on severity, anatomy, and your other health conditions.
Lifestyle and medical management
Most CAD patients benefit from a combination of lifestyle change and medical therapy - including statins, antiplatelet drugs, blood-pressure control, and diabetes optimization. A Mediterranean-style diet, regular aerobic exercise, and smoking cessation remain the foundation of treatment.
Minimally invasive procedures
When medical therapy isn't enough - or when a critical narrowing is identified - interventional cardiology options include:
- Coronary angiography - direct imaging of the coronary arteries
- Balloon angioplasty - opens the narrowed segment
- Coronary stenting - places a small scaffold to hold the artery open
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) - catheter-based treatment of blockages with precision
- IMPELLA device support - advanced heart pump used to maintain circulation during high-risk coronary procedures in critically ill patients
Most are performed through a small access point in the wrist (radial access) or groin. Most patients return home the same day or after a brief overnight observation.
Recovery
Light activity is encouraged within 24 hours. Most patients are back to normal daily activities within 2–3 days. We see you at the 2-week mark to check the access site, review medications, and confirm the plan, then space follow-ups based on your overall risk profile.
When to see a cardiologist.
- Chest pressure or tightness with exertion that eases with rest
- New or worsening shortness of breath
- A new CAD diagnosis you want reviewed
- An abnormal stress test, EKG, or coronary CT
- A recommendation for stenting or bypass - second opinions welcome
If you have crushing chest pain, pain radiating to the jaw or arm, severe shortness of breath, or you feel like something is very wrong - call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Do not drive yourself.
CAD FAQs.
Can coronary artery disease be reversed?
Plaque doesn't usually disappear, but it can be stabilized - and in some cases reduced - with aggressive lifestyle change and medical therapy. The goal is to stop progression, prevent heart attack, and restore blood flow where it's needed.
Do I need a stent?
Not everyone with CAD needs a stent. Many patients are well-managed with medication alone. Stents are typically recommended for significant blockages that cause symptoms or threaten heart muscle. We use the least invasive option that solves the problem.
What's the difference between a heart attack and angina?
Angina is chest discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, usually with exertion, and it resolves with rest. A heart attack happens when blood flow is blocked long enough to damage heart muscle. Any chest pain that doesn't resolve with rest is a medical emergency.
How often will I need follow-up?
Most stable CAD patients are seen every 3–6 months. After a procedure, follow-up is more frequent at first, then spaces out. We coordinate closely with your primary care physician throughout.
Can I exercise with CAD?
Yes - and you should. Regular aerobic activity is one of the most powerful CAD treatments available. We help build an exercise plan that matches your fitness level and condition, sometimes starting with a supervised cardiac rehabilitation program.
Schedule a CAD consultation.
Most new patients are seen within a week. Bring any prior imaging or stress tests, the medication list, and a written summary of your symptoms - we'll do the rest.