Severe Coronary Artery Disease

Severe Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a critical condition characterized by significant narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to the  of atherosclerotic plaques. This reduces blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to ischemia, angina, or even myocardial infarction (heart attack). According to Braunwald’s Heart Disease, severe CAD involves ≥70% stenosis in major coronary arteries or ≥50% in the left main coronary artery, significantly impaired oxygen delivery to the myocardium.

Risk Factors

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol levels)
• Diabetes mellitus
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Family history of heart disease
• Chronic stress

Clinical Features of Severe Coronary Artery Disease

1. Chest Pain (Angina): A hallmark symptom, described as pressure, tightness, or burning, often radiating to the neck, jaw, back, or left arm.
2. Shortness of Breath: Especially during exertion, due to reduced oxygen supply to the heart.
3. Fatigue: Resulting from decreased cardiac output.
4. Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Indicative of compromised blood flow.
5. Palpitations: Irregular heartbeats due to arrhythmias.

Acute Symptoms (indicating heart attack)

• Severe, crushing chest pain unrelieved by rest or nitroglycerin
• Cold sweats, nausea, or vomiting
• Fainting or near-fainting episodes
• Sudden shortness of breath

Complications of Severe Coronary Artery Disease

• Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
• Heart Failure
• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest
• Cardiogenic Shock
• Aneurysm Formation

Why Should You Choose A Cardiac Surgeon At Aster Hospitals?

​​Aster Hospitals offers a comprehensive and patient-centered approach that combines cutting-edge technology with the highly skilled expertise of a cardiac surgeon. Our advanced cardiac diagnostic facilities, including coronary angiography, stress echocardiography, and cardiac CT scans, enable precise and timely diagnosis of even the most complex coronary conditions. 

At the heart of our coronary care program is an expert cardiology team comprising highly skilled cardiac surgeons and cardiothoracic surgeons specializing in complex coronary interventions. This team's collective expertise allows Aster Hospitals to offer a full spectrum of interventional procedures, from angioplasty with stent placement to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and advanced PCI techniques. Our catheterization labs and operating theaters are equipped with the latest technology, enabling our specialists to perform these procedures with the highest levels of safety and efficacy.