Epic Heart And Vascular Care

CAD & Heart Attack - RB Health

How are CAD and Heart Attacks Connected?

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common cause of heart attacks. CAD happens when the arteries that supply the heart become narrowed due to plaque buildup (called atherosclerosis).

A heart attack occurs when a piece of this plaque ruptures, triggering a blood clot that blocks the artery. This cuts off blood and oxygen to part of the heart, causing heart muscle damage or even death.

Think of CAD as the long-term problem that sets the stage—and the heart attack as the emergency event.

What Are the Main Risk Factors for CAD and Heart Attacks?

The biggest risk factors—many of which can be managed—include:

Other risk factors include family history and age, which can’t be changed but are important to know. Managing these risks is key to prevention.

What Are the Signs That CAD Could Lead to a Heart Attack?

The most common symptom is angina, which feels like:

It often happens during activity or stress and can get better with rest.

Other warning signs:

Some people, especially women, may feel:

Symptoms can be mild or go unnoticed, so any unexplained chest pain or breathing difficulty should be checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

How do Doctors Diagnose CAD and Heart Attacks?

Doctors use several tools:

In a suspected heart attack, doctors use an ECG and blood tests for heart enzymes like troponin to confirm damage. Emergency angiography may follow.

How are CAD and Heart Attacks Treated?

For CAD:

For a heart attack:

Can CAD and Heart Attacks Be Prevented?

The best course of action is taking steps to manage risk factors:

Even small changes can make a big difference over time.

What Happens if CAD or a Heart Attack Goes Untreated?

Without treatment, CAD worsens over time, leading to:

An untreated heart attack can cause:

Immediate medical care can save the heart muscle and lives.

What Other Heart Problems are Related to CAD and Heart Attacks?

CAD and heart attacks can lead to:

All of these stem from the same problem: plaque buildup in arteries throughout the body.

Acquiring Care From Our Multi-Speciality Providers

Coronary Artery Disease is serious—but manageable. Know your risk, recognize symptoms early, and work with your doctor to protect your heart. Early action can prevent heart attacks and save lives.

Our clinic provides comprehensive cardiac care, from acute treatment to ongoing follow-up, for patients throughout the greater Hudson Valley. Schedule an appointment with our team through our convenient online scheduling form or by calling 877-EPIC-DOC (877-3742-362).

Remember: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your cardiologist or healthcare provider for personalized diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies for heart failure.

Visit Our Fastest Growing Same Day Chest Pain Clinic With No Wait Time!

We offer a comprehensive range of diagnostic testing and treatments for chest pain.

Our clinic ensures that you receive urgent evaluation for symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and dizziness without unnecessary delays. We also provide same-day imaging, laboratory testing, and consultations to speed up diagnosis and treatment

We Offer A Variety Of Modalities For Chest Pain Evaluation & Treatment, Including

Lifestyle Changes

We can help you develop a healthy lifestyle plan that includes diet, exercise, and stress management.

Medications

We offer a variety of medications to help relieve chest pain and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Diagnostic tests

We perform stat onsite electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram, nuclear stress test, continuous monitoring of your heart rhythm and oxygen saturation. We also perform chest xray and Computed Tomography (CT) scan of your chest for further evaluation for your symptoms.

Minimally Invasive Procedure

We offer a variety of minimally invasive procedures to treat chest pain, such as angioplasty, atherectomy, stenting, balloon pump and artificial heart implantation (Impella device).

Laboratory tests

We perform a stat on site comprehensive panel of blood tests to evaluate your risk of having a heart attack, blood clot with immediate results.

Minimally Invasive Procedure

We offer a variety of minimally invasive procedures to treat chest pain, such as angioplasty, atherectomy, stenting, balloon pump and artificial heart implantation (Impella device).