Coronary Artery Disease: Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about coronary artery disease (CAD):	What is CAD? What causes it? What are the symptoms? What do the coronary arteries do? What increases my risk for heart disease? How can I prevent heart disease? What is my risk for having a heart attack? When do I need to see my doctor? Can a test find heart disease early?
Being diagnosed:	How will my doctor diagnose heart disease? How can an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) help diagnose heart disease? Should I have a coronary artery calcium scan? Should I have an angiogram? How will my doctor decide which tests I need?
Getting treatment:	How is heart disease treated? Do I need to see a specialist? How should I exercise for a healthy heart? What medicines will I need to take? Do I need surgery? What are angioplasty and atherectomy? Should I have angioplasty for stable angina? Should I have coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery?
What happens:	What is the difference between stable and unstable angina? How do I know if I'm having a heart attack?
Living with heart disease:	How do I live well with heart disease? How do I eat a heart-healthy diet? How do I start a walking program? How do I take charge of my angina? How can I lower my stress level? How do I take medicines properly? How can I help a loved one with coronary artery disease? How can I learn from others who have heart disease?
End-of-life issues:	How do I prepare for end-of-life issues? Should I stop curative treatment?

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Last updated:	May 29, 2008
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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