Coronary Artery Disease

What can I expect if I have coronary artery disease?

Your provider is the best person to ask about your prognosis. Outcomes vary based on the person. Your provider will look at the big picture, including your age, medical conditions, risk factors and symptoms. Lifestyle changes and other treatments can improve your chances of a good prognosis.

Can coronary artery disease be reversed?

You can’t reverse coronary artery disease. But you can manage your condition and prevent it from getting worse. Work with your healthcare provider and follow your treatment plan. Doing so will give you the strongest possible chance of living a long and healthy life.

Can coronary artery disease be prevented?

You can’t always prevent coronary artery disease because some risk factors are out of your control. But you can lower your risk of coronary artery disease and help prevent it from getting worse in these ways:

• Commit to quitting smoking and all tobacco use .
• Eat heart-healthy foods.
• Get enough sleep.
• Stay at a weight that’s healthy for you.
• Learn your risk for heart disease.
• Limit alcohol use.
• Move around more.
• Keep taking your medications.

How do I take care of myself?

The most important thing you can do is keep up with your treatment plan. This may include lifestyle changes and medications. It may also involve a procedure or surgery and the necessary recovery afterward.

Along with treatment, your provider may recommend cardiac rehab . A cardiac rehab program is especially helpful for people recovering from a heart attack or living with heart failure. Cardiac rehab can help you with exercise, dietary changes and stress management.

Coronary artery disease and mental health

A CAD diagnosis may make you think about your heart and arteries more than ever before. This can be exhausting and overwhelming. You may worry a lot about your symptoms or what might happen to you. Many people with coronary artery disease experience depression and anxiety. It’s normal to worry when you’re living with a condition that can be life-threatening.

But the worry shouldn’t consume your daily life. You can still live an active, fulfilling life while having heart disease. If your diagnosis is affecting your mental health, talk with a counselor. Find a support group where you can meet people who share your concerns. Don’t feel you need to keep it all inside or be strong for others. CAD is a life-changing diagnosis. It’s OK to devote time to processing it all and figuring out how to feel better, both physically and emotionally.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Your provider will tell you how often you need to come in for testing or follow-ups. You may have appointments with specialists (like a cardiologist ) in addition to your primary care visits.

Call your provider if you:

• Experience new or changing symptoms.
• Have side effects from your medication.
• Have questions or concerns about your condition or your treatment plan.

When should I go to the ER?

Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. These are life-threatening medical emergencies that require immediate care. It may be helpful to print out the symptoms and keep them where you can see them. Also, share the symptoms with your family and friends so they can call 911 for you if needed.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

If your provider hasn’t diagnosed you with coronary artery disease, consider asking:

• What are my risk factors for coronary artery disease?
• What can I do to lower my risk?
• What lifestyle changes are most important for me?
• What medications would lower my risk, and what are the side effects? How long do I need to stay on these medications?

If you have coronary artery disease, some helpful questions include:

• What can I do to slow down disease progression?
• What’s the best treatment plan for me?
• What lifestyle changes should I make?
• What medications do I need, and what are the side effects?
• Will I need a procedure or surgery? What does the recovery look like?
• Are there support groups or resources you can recommend?