Coronary artery disease occurs when the blood vessels supplying the heart become narrowed. It may present as chest discomfort, breathlessness, reduced exercise capacity or, in some cases, an acute cardiac event.
When to seek review
- Exertional chest discomfort or breathlessness
- Known coronary disease needing follow-up
- Diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking history or strong family history
- Recovery after a hospital cardiac admission
How evaluation usually proceeds
- Clinical assessment of symptoms and risk
- ECG and further cardiac tests as indicated
- Discussion of hospital-based coronary evaluation when needed
Management
Care may involve medicines, risk-factor control and, when appropriate, referral for hospital-based procedures. Recommendations are based on clinical findings, not guaranteed outcomes.
Sudden severe chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or symptoms of a possible heart attack require immediate emergency medical attention. Please call local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. This website does not provide emergency care.