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

Interventional cardiologist, Mark Sasse, MD, and UAB's team of heart and vascular surgeons and physicians provide unique, personalized care at Alabama's only nationally ranked hospital.

Take a video tour of the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic at Acton Road.

Patients like Sarah Ford travel to UAB because of the experienced surgeons and cutting-edge care.

PHYSICIANS

Constantine L. Athanasuleas, MD

Brigitta C. Brott, MD

James E. Davies Jr., MD

William L. Holman, MD

Massoud Leesar, MD

Silvio E. Papapietro, MD

Sara J. Pereira, MD

Mohammed Sarraf, MD

Mark Sasse, MD

Related Conditions

Listed below are some conditions that may be related to or share some similarities with the condition addressed on this page.

Arrhythmia

Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion

Heart Failure

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 Trials