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Coronary artery disease is an old problem, but researchers are continually discovering new solutions for diagnosis and treatment the disease. In the last several years, many changes have been made in recommendations for lifestyle habits, medications and interventional therapies such as catheter-based and surgical procedures.
Mayo Clinic helps patients take advantage of these new discoveries by offering innovative programs that assess cardiovascular risk and then take action to reduce risk with an individualized therapy plan.
Coronary artery disease causes symptoms in some people, or it may be discovered during a routine exam due to high blood pressure or cholesterol test results. To diagnose the disease, doctors have increasingly sophisticated tools available that result in more precise assessments. Read more about coronary artery disease diagnosis.
Treatment of coronary artery disease is highly individual, and must be based on a patient's symptoms and diagnostic test results. For some people, careful lifestyle changes and medications can control the disease. In more serious cases, surgery may be required. In any case, the disease requires lifelong management. Read more about coronary artery disease treatment options.
Coronary artery disease has many causes, including atherosclerosis, a gradual buildup of material inside the arteries. As this material builds up, the blood paths flowing into and out of the heart muscle get smaller and decrease the blood flow. If a blood clot plugs one of these arteries or blood flow decreases enough, the heart muscle — starved for oxygen — dies and a heart attack occurs.
Coronary artery disease often progresses slowly for decades and becomes serious only in older age, but it can develop rapidly in younger people. Men have a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease at younger ages; but young women can also develop coronary artery disease. After menopause, the likelihood of coronary artery disease and heart attacks in women significantly increases.
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Cardiac specialists at all three Mayo Clinic locations specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the heart, treating thousands of patients yearly. Learn more about heart care at Mayo Clinic.
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