Coronary Artery Disease
Heart disease is the nation’s leading cause of death and a major cause of disability. Heart disease can be inherited (congenital) or acquired during a lifetime of factors such as a damaging diet, lack of exercise, and the presence of stress. Most commonly, heart disease affects the coronary arteries, where plaque obstructs blood flow in the vessels that carry blood to the heart muscle. That plaque can build up (arthrosclerosis) and stop the blood flow, resulting in a heart attack or stroke. Other kinds of heart problems may involve the heart’s valves, muscles, or electrical system. For example, heart failure (congestive heart failure) may be diagnosed if your heart cannot deliver adequate amounts of oxygen to the body. If you are at risk for heart disease, there are several steps you can take to prevent or postpone the onset of symptoms. If lifestyle changes do not forestall heart disease, you may find that many diagnostic and treatment advances have become available in recent years. Advances in medicine, surgical techniques, and various medical technologies provide patients with additional options for help.
Why UAB
At UAB, you will receive expert, personalized primary cardiology services from our General Cardiology clinics both on campus and at our suburban center at Acton Road just off I-459. Specialists from UAB’s world-renowned team of cardiologists offer you the best evidence-based care for coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, rhythm disturbances, diseased valves, and other heart and vessel conditions. And when you visit our clinics, you can expect friendly, personalized care backed by UAB’s sophisticated facilities and equipment.
Images and Videos
Mark Sasse, MD: Innovative Cardiovascular Treatment Options
Sarah's Heart
When Sarah Ford found out she needed heart surgery, she made the drive from her home in Dothan to Birmingham to receive treatment at UAB. The experienced surgeons, compassionate staff, and cutting-edge care at UAB made her feel secure and safe.


Related Conditions
Listed below are some conditions that may be related to or share some similarities with the condition addressed on this page.
RELATED SERVICES
CLINICAL TRIALS
UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.
View Clinical TrialsMore from UAB
Around the Web
uabmedicine.org
uabmedicine.org
heart.org
nhlbi.nih.gov
What Is Coronary Heart Disease?
nih.gov
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Related Links
heart.org
nhlbi.nih.gov
uabmedicine.org
What Is Coronary Heart Disease?
nih.gov