Our Approach
Coronary artery disease often develops over many years. Some people experience symptoms, while others don’t know they have blocked arteries until tests reveal a problem or they have a heart attack. That’s why our team focuses on early detection and prevention as well as treatment.
Whether you need lifestyle changes, medication, a minimally invasive procedure or surgery, you'll receive coordinated care focused on protecting your heart health. And it’s all available right where you need it most — close to home.
Franciscan Health’s heart program includes fellowship-trained cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and imaging specialists who regularly treat complex coronary artery disease. Our specialists review your test results together and create a unified treatment plan.
What is coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease develops when cholesterol, calcium and other substances build up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
What happens when CAD worsens?
As plaque accumulates, the arteries narrow and blood flow decreases. When blockages become severe, they can lead to symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. In some cases, a blockage can suddenly cut off blood flow and cause a heart attack.
Who is at risk for CAD?
CAD is the most common type of heart disease in the U.S., accounting for about 610,000 deaths annually. People with a family history of heart disease are at higher risk. Age is a risk factor, too. Your risk increases with age — after 45 for men and 55 for women.
Other risk factors relate to lifestyle choices. To protect your heart health, we recommend that you:
- Manage existing conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
- Don’t smoke
- Lose extra weight
- Get regular exercise
Not sure where to start? Make an appointment with your primary care doctor.
What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?
Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain, pressure or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Pain in the arms, shoulders, neck or jaw
You may notice chest pressure, shortness of breath or unusual fatigue when you climb stairs, exercise, shovel snow or do yard work. Over half the people who die suddenly of heart disease have no symptoms. Many people ignore symptoms for months and mistakenly blame them on being out of shape or getting older.
If you experience sudden chest pain, severe shortness of breath or other symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
A $49 heart scan could save your life
Coronary artery disease can develop silently for years. You can learn more about your risk for CAD with a quick, noninvasive heart scan at Franciscan Health. This test uses computed tomography (CT) imaging to detect calcium buildup in your coronary arteries before symptoms appear.Scan results help estimate your risk for future heart disease. The information can help identify whether you may benefit from additional testing, medication or lifestyle changes to improve your long-term heart health.
At Franciscan Health, a heart scan costs $49 out of pocket. Don’t wait until a heart attack to learn you have CAD. Call 833-238-0688 to schedule your heart scan.
How do doctors diagnose coronary artery disease?
Franciscan Health offers advanced testing to diagnose coronary artery disease and determine its severity. Your evaluation may include:
- Cardiac catheterization or coronary angiography - Uses a thin tube and dye to show where blockages are and how severe they may be.
- Echocardiogram - Uses ultrasound to show how well your heart pumps and whether heart damage is present.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) - Records your heart’s electrical activity and may show signs of a past or current heart problem.
- Heart scan - Uses CT imaging to detect calcium buildup in the coronary arteries before symptoms develop.
- Stress testing - Evaluates blood flow to the heart during exercise or simulated exercise.
Testing helps show whether plaque has narrowed your arteries, how much blood reaches your heart and whether you need treatment now.
What treatments are available for coronary artery disease?
Treatment depends on the location and severity of the blockage, your symptoms and your overall health. Some people benefit from lifestyle changes and medication, while others may need procedures or surgery to restore blood flow to the heart.
Cardiac catheterization and stenting
Cardiac catheterization allows specialists to evaluate blood flow through the coronary arteries and identify blockages. In some cases, a doctor can place a stent (mesh tube) to open a narrowed artery and improve blood flow to the heart.
Coronary artery bypass surgery
Some people with multiple or complex blockages benefit most from coronary artery bypass surgery. During this open-heart surgery, a surgeon creates a new pathway for blood to flow around blocked arteries. Your heart team will determine whether bypass surgery offers the safest and most effective way to restore blood flow.
Cardiac rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation helps you return to daily activities and reduce your risk of future heart problems after treatment. Cardiac rehabilitation includes much more than supervised exercise. You’ll receive guidance on nutrition, medications, diabetes management, risk-factor reduction and other lifestyle changes that can help protect your heart health for years to come.
How To Get Care
If you are concerned about your heart or believe you may have coronary artery disease, start by speaking with your primary care provider, who can order testing or make a referral to a specialist.If you have already been diagnosed and are looking for a provider, use our directory to find a cardiologist or heart care location near you.
You may be able to schedule or request an appointment online. If you do not see that option, or prefer to call, use our location search and call the local office.