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 (atherosclerosis) 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. 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.

Videos

Resources

• UAB Cardiovascular Surgery Patient Guide 2022
• Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Division of Cardiovascular Disease
• American Heart Association
• National Institutes of Health – Coronary Heart Disease

Related Specialties

• Atrial Fibrillation
• Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting
• Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
• Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion
• Heart Palpitations
• Mechanical Circulatory Support Device
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Chronic Total Occlusion
• Premature Atrial Contractions
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
• Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
• Smoking Cessation
• Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome