Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) places added strain on your heart over time, making everyday activities feel harder and leaving you more vulnerable to serious complications. Managing this condition early can help protect your heart’s ability to function and support your long-term health.
Our board-certified cardiologists at Cardiac and Vascular Consultants provide diagnosis and treatment options for patients across The Villages, Lecanto, Leesburg, Wildwood, Summerfield, and Lady Lake, Florida. Whether you’re at risk or already managing CAD, we’re here to help protect your heart health.
What Is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a significant health concern, often synonymous with coronary heart disease. Both conditions involve the buildup of plaque within the heart’s arteries, potentially leading to a heart attack. But what exactly differentiates them?
In medical practice, these terms are frequently used interchangeably, yet understanding CAD’s nuances is vital for effective management and prevention.
CAD develops when plaque accumulates inside the coronary arteries, which are crucial in supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. This buildup restricts blood flow, leading to a condition known as ischemia.
Ischemia may progress gradually, causing chronic narrowing of the arteries, or it can occur suddenly due to a ruptured plaque, resulting in a blood clot or thrombus. Recognizing these symptoms early can impact health outcomes.
CAD Risk Factors
Several traditional risk factors contribute to the development of Coronary Artery Disease. These include:
- High LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol levels
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Family history of heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lifestyle choices such as smoking
- Post-menopausal status in women and age over 45 in men
- Obesity
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle that focuses on balanced nutrition, weight management, and regular physical activity can play a pivotal role in preventing CAD.
Treatment Options for Coronary Artery Disease
We can help you manage Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) with the following approaches:
- Lifestyle Changes: Healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and weight control.
- Medications: To manage cholesterol, blood pressure, and prevent blood clots.
- Procedures: Angioplasty, stent placement, or bypass surgery for more advanced cases.
Our team, led by Dr. Shrikanth Upadya, personalizes treatment to help restore blood flow and protect your heart.
Why Choose Cardiac and Vascular Consultants for CAD Care?
Managing Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is part of our everyday work at Cardiac and Vascular Consultants. Our team includes Dr. Shrikanth Upadya, a board-certified cardiologist and Castle Connolly Top Doctor, along with a group of experienced, board-certified cardiologists.
Dr. Upadya’s expertise in complex coronary interventions, combined with the skill of our wider team, allows us to care for both straightforward and advanced cases. With locations in The Villages, Lecanto, Leesburg, Wildwood, Summerfield, and Lady Lake, FL, we make expert heart care available throughout Central Florida.
Get Expert Care for Coronary Artery Disease
Our team is ready to help you manage CAD with personalized care. Contact Cardiac and Vascular Consultants today to book your appointment at one of our Central Florida locations.
For more information on Coronary Artery Disease, visit the American Heart Association. Call our main office at 352-513-3482 or our Lecanto office at 352-633-1966 today.
