Spotlight Video | Understanding Coronary Artery Disease | Thomas M. Chengot, DO, FACC

Thomas Chengot Cardiologist | Cardiovascular Disease Amityville, NY

Dr. Thomas Chengot is a highly skilled interventional and structural cardiologist practicing at the Amityville Heart Center in New York. He is experienced in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating a range of cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. Dr. Chengot specializes... more

Understanding Coronary Artery Disease

CAD occurs when the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients, called coronary arteries, become narrowed or blocked. This happens due to a buildup of cholesterol and other materials, forming plaque inside the arteries. As plaque accumulates, it restricts blood flow to the heart, potentially leading to chest pain (angina) or, in severe cases, heart attacks.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of developing CAD:

Age: Risk increases with age.
Gender: Men are generally at higher risk, though women's risk rises after menopause.
Family History: A family history of heart disease can elevate your risk.
High Blood Pressure: Hypertension strains the arteries.
High Cholesterol: Elevated levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol contribute to plaque buildup.
Smoking: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor.
Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes damages blood vessels.
Obesity: Being overweight strains the heart.
Physical Inactivity: Lack of exercise increases CAD risk.

Symptoms

Symptoms of CAD can vary, with some individuals experiencing no symptoms (silent CAD). Common symptoms include:

Chest Pain: A squeezing, pressure, or tightness in the chest (angina).
Shortness of Breath: Especially during physical activity.
Fatigue: Unexplained tiredness.
Heart Attack: Severe chest pain, nausea, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath.

Prevention and Management

CAD is often preventable and manageable:

Lifestyle Changes: Quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and follow a heart-healthy diet.
Medications: Doctors may prescribe medications to manage cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes.
Interventional Procedures: In severe cases, procedures like angioplasty or stent placement can open blocked arteries.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): In advanced cases, bypass surgery can restore blood flow.

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