NewYork-Presbyterian. The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell.

Cardiology

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary heart disease, or coronary artery disease (CAD), is characterized by the accumulation of fatty deposits along the innermost layer of the coronary arteries. The fatty deposits may develop in childhood and continue to thicken and enlarge throughout the life span. This thickening, called atherosclerosis, narrows the arteries and can decrease or block the flow of blood to the heart. Nearly 16 million Americans suffer from coronary artery disease – the number one killer of both men and women in the US.

Coronary artery disease can lead to a heart attack (myocardial infarction), which occurs when there is a lack of oxygen due to blocked blood flow to the heart muscle. If the supply of oxygenated blood is cut off severely or for a long period of time, muscle cells of the heart become damaged and die. The result is dysfunction of the muscle of the heart in the area affected by the lack of oxygen.

Care at NewYork-Presbyterian

NewYork-Presbyterian is dedicated to providing our patients with the best care available for coronary artery disease. As an Accredited Chest Pain Center, we use the newest paradigms and best practices in heart care to ensure that our patients receive:

Right Care, Time

The right care at the right time to minimize or eliminate heart damage due to a heart attack.

Timely, Accurate Diagnosis

Timely and accurate diagnosis to reduce the disruption to your life and get you back home as soon as possible.

Help

Help and communication to better understand how to respond to your heart emergencies.

Improved Quality of Life

Improved quality of life after a heart episode.

Techniques

Our team offers a number of treatments for coronary artery disease to improve blood flow to the heart and to potentially reduce the risk of a heart attack. These approaches include:

• angioplasty with stent placement
• coronary artery bypass surgery
• transmyocardial revascularization for patients with angina pectoris