Heart Disease Treatment

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (often referred to as just “heart disease”) is the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women. It is responsible for an estimated one in every four deaths. It is caused by the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the lining of blood vessels, which restricts blood flow and can lead to a heart attack. Many patients with heart disease have no symptoms until its advanced stages when chest pain (angina) and breathing difficulties are common.

The cardiovascular specialists at Cardiac & Vascular Care in San Jose, California may recommend lifestyle changes and medications to help prevent heart disease and its complications, such as high blood pressure and blood clots.

Lifestyle modifications may include dietary restrictions, weight loss, an exercise regimen, stress management, and quitting smoking. Medications may include beta blockers and other drugs that reduce blood pressure; blood thinners such as aspirin, heparin, or warfarin; and cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins, niacin, and others.

Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting

One of the most common procedures we do at Cardiac & Vascular Care is coronary angioplasty – a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure in which a catheter is threaded through a small incision made in the groin, arm, or wrist, through arteries to the narrowed coronary artery. After the catheter is in place, a tiny balloon is inflated at its tip, stretching and opening the artery walls to improve blood flow to the heart.

Stenting of the coronary arteries involves an additional step in which a tiny metal mesh tube (stent) is inserted and left in the artery to keep it open. The stent is put into place immediately after the angioplasty.

Coronary angioplasty and stenting are also referred to as percutaneous coronary intervention.

Our group has direct access to top-notch cardiovascular surgeons in the Bay Area if our doctors feel that you need a referral for a surgical evaluation.

Are you in need of treatment for a heart problem? We offer a range of coronary treatments, depending on your unique situation. Schedule an appointment by calling Cardiac & Vascular Care at (408) 295-2257 or use our convenient online appointment request form.