Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary Artery Disease Program

Expert care for this common yet serious condition

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women, and coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease in the United States. It can lead to angina or chest pain, which can indicate a heart attack. Over time, coronary artery disease can also lead to arrhythmia or heart failure.

Our Heart and Vascular Center team is skilled in diagnosing, treating and managing coronary artery disease in all its forms.

To find a doctor or make an appointment, call 1-800-DOCTORS.

Online Requests: Use our online form. Our coordinators will call you as a follow-up to your online request.

Because of our affiliation with an academic medical center, we offer a depth of expertise and proven technologies and techniques not found elsewhere. This is especially important for heart disease patients with coexisting conditions such as diabetes.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD), also called coronary heart disease, occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked or narrowed due to plaque buildup or blood clots. This narrowing is also called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. CAD can lead to a heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI). Learn more about coronary artery disease.

Exceptional Staff

Our Medical College of Wisconsin physicians have deep levels of expertise in their specialty, and then collaborate to deliver the best patient care and quality outcomes. In addition to general cardiology, cardiologists specialize in valvular disease, heart failure, electrophysiology and interventional cardiology. They collaborate with other heart and vascular specialists – vascular and interventional radiologists, interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. Working together, our multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, therapists and medical professionals offer treatment approaches designed for each individual patient. Read more about our exceptional staff.

Emergency Care and Door-to-Balloon Time

Heart attacks are a major risk for those with coronary disease. One vital measure of heart attack care is “door-to-balloon time,” which refers to how quickly a team is able to get blood flowing again in patients who have had a cardiac event caused by blocked arteries. The accepted standard has been 90 minutes or less, but Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin set their own goal of 60 minutes or less. Read more about our emergency care.

Excellent Outcomes, Solid Relationships

Heart and Vascular Center physicians work closely with referring physicians, keeping them informed regarding consults, treatment and follow-up care. And, as part of an academic medical center, we continually monitor outcomes to always improve patient care.

Advanced Diagnostics

Several tests may be used to diagnose coronary artery disease, along with a thorough physical exam and medical and family history. Common tests include echocardiography, stress testing, cardiac MRI, and advanced-multi-slice CT scanning. Read more about our advanced diagnostic and imaging capabilities.

Treatments for Coronary Artery Disease

Our Medical College of Wisconsin physicians use the latest technology based on research to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease. Treatment may include lifestyles changes, medications and non-surgical procedures — such as coronary stents and cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac surgeons are skilled in all forms of cardiac surgery, including coronary artery bypass grafting and endovascular vein harvesting. Read more about the different treatment options for coronary artery disease.

Research

As members of an academic medical center, Heart and Vascular Center physicians are up-to-date on the latest research findings and treatment techniques. Our patients also have access to significant local and national research studies and clinical trials.

Locations

The Coronary Artery Disease Program is part of the Heart and Vascular Center, which has many convenient locations throughout southeast Wisconsin.

Heart Attack? Call 911

If you think you or someone you know is having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately. Everyone experiences symptoms differently, but the most common symptoms of a heart attack include: