Chest Pain and Coronary Artery Disease:
What Is Chest Pain and Coronary Artery Disease?
Chest pain can have many causes, but one of the most serious is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup. This reduces blood flow to the heart and can lead to chest pain, also called angina. If untreated, CAD can result in a heart attack or other serious complications.
Why Seeing a Cardiologist Is Important
Chest pain should never be ignored. A cardiologist, like Dr. Bunte, is specially trained to determine the cause of chest pain and identify heart-related conditions. Patients experiencing sudden onset or acutely worsened chest pain should be evaluated in the emergency department. When chest pain is less serious, early evaluation is critical because it can detect CAD before it becomes life-threatening. A cardiologist can quickly assess symptoms and recommend the right tests and treatments.
Convenient In-Office Evaluation and Treatment
At Arrowhead Cardiovascular Consultants, evaluations are offered in a convenient office location.
Evaluation often includes:
• A detailed medical history and physical exam
• Electrocardiograms (EKG) to check heart rhythm
• Stress testing to evaluate heart function
• Imaging or other hospital-based diagnostic tests, if needed
Treatment plans are personalized and may include:
• Home-based monitoring of your heart rate and blood pressure
• Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise
• Medications to improve blood flow and reduce risk
• Medications to reduce symptoms of chest pain
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Ongoing monitoring and follow-up visits
Office-based care is often more cost-effective than hospital visits and provides faster access to testing and results.
Lowering Risk and Improving Quality of Life
Early diagnosis and treatment of CAD can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and other complications. Managing chest pain can also improve daily comfort, increase energy, and allow patients to return to normal activities with confidence.
Why Choose Arrowhead Cardiovascular Consultants?
You are in expert hands with Dr. Bunte and the Arrowhead Cardiovascular Consultants team. Dr. Bunte is a triple-board certified cardiologist trained at the Cleveland Clinic and has been recognized as an award-winning “Top Doctor” for his high level of care. The Arrowhead Cardiovascular Consultants team is committed to effective and personalized management of non-emergent chest pain and coronary artery disease in a convenient and supportive office setting. Again, when chest pain symptoms are sudden onset or suddenly worse, the emergency department is the recommended place for evaluation.
