The heart never rests — beating around 100,000 times a day to keep us alive. But what happens when the very arteries responsible for nourishing it begin to fail? That’s the silent danger of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).

It’s one of the most common and serious heart conditions, yet many people are unaware they have it until it’s too late. At Z. Kounnis Cardiology Center, our goal is to change that through early detection, personalized care, and expert treatment.

🫀 What Is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

Coronary Artery Disease, often referred to as CAD, occurs when the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart become narrowed or completely blocked. This happens due to the build-up of plaque — a sticky mix of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances found in the blood.

As plaque builds up, it hardens and narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. Without enough oxygen, the heart struggles to function, especially during physical activity or stress.

🚨 Common Symptoms and Warning Signs

While some people live with CAD for years without symptoms, others may experience warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored:

• Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue, especially during exertion
• Pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or back
• Heart attack (in severe cases)

The symptoms might appear gradually or strike suddenly. That’s why paying attention to your body — and your risk factors — is so crucial.

⚠️ What Causes CAD?

Coronary Artery Disease typically develops over decades. The key contributors include:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Unhealthy diet
• Family history of heart disease

The longer these risk factors go unmanaged, the greater the chance that CAD will progress silently — until a major cardiac event occurs.

🩻 How We Diagnose CAD at Z. Kounnis Cardiology Center

Diagnosing CAD isn’t just about looking at symptoms — it’s about getting a detailed understanding of your cardiovascular health. Our clinic uses a combination of non-invasive and advanced diagnostic tools, including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for abnormal heart rhythms
• Stress testing to see how the heart performs under physical strain
• Echocardiography to evaluate heart structure and function
• Coronary angiography for a direct view of blocked arteries (when needed)
• Blood tests to evaluate cholesterol and inflammatory markers

With these tools, we can detect even early signs of blockage — long before they become life-threatening.

🛠️ Treatment Options: From Lifestyle to Life-Saving Procedures

Treating coronary artery disease depends on its severity and how much it's impacting your heart. At our center, we believe in a layered approach:

1. Lifestyle Modifications

• Adopting a heart-healthy diet
• Regular physical activity
• Quitting smoking and managing stress
• Maintaining healthy weight and blood pressure

2. Medications

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins)
• Blood pressure medications
• Blood thinners
• Medications to reduce angina

3. Advanced Interventions

• Angioplasty (using a balloon to open the artery and placing a stent)
• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) — a surgical procedure that redirects blood flow around blocked arteries

Every patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their needs — because no two hearts are exactly the same.

❤️ Your Heart Deserves Expert Attention

At Z. Kounnis Cardiology Center, we believe in treating heart disease before it strikes. Our team is committed to helping patients live healthier, longer lives through personalized care and cutting-edge diagnostics.

If you’re at risk for CAD or have a family history of heart disease, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with us today and take the first step toward protecting your most vital organ.