Coronary Artery Disease
What is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common heart condition where the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle become narrowed or blocked. This is usually caused by the build-up of atherosclerotic plaques, which are made up of cholesterol, fatty deposits, and calcium.
As the arteries become narrower, blood flow to the heart is reduced. This can cause chest pain (angina) or, in more serious cases, a heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction).
At London Heart Group, our leading private cardiologists in London offer expert diagnosis, risk assessment, and personalised treatment plans for coronary artery disease using the latest diagnostic and interventional techniques.
What Are the Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary artery disease can develop gradually over time without any symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can vary widely between individuals. The most common symptoms include:
Chest pain or discomfort (angina) – often described as pressure, heaviness, or burning
Pain that may spread to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, back, or upper abdomen
Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
Fatigue, dizziness, or nausea
These symptoms are often triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress and may improve with rest. Some people may not notice any signs of coronary artery disease until they experience a heart attack.
What Causes Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary artery disease develops when plaque builds up inside the arteries – a process called atherosclerosis. Several key risk factors increase the likelihood of developing CAD, including:
Age and gender
Smoking
High blood pressure (hypertension)
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Obesity
Lack of exercise
A family history of heart disease
By addressing risk factors you can control early, you can significantly reduce your risk of complications such as heart attack or stroke.
How is Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed?
At London Heart Group, our consultants use a combination of clinical expertise and cutting-edge diagnostics to detect and assess coronary artery disease. Diagnosis may involve:
A detailed review of your symptoms and medical history
Risk factor evaluation (e.g. family history, high cholesterol, diabetes)
Advanced imaging, including CT coronary angiography, stress testing, or coronary functional assessment
Personalised risk modelling to guide prevention and treatment
Whether you are experiencing symptoms or seeking proactive screening due to a strong family history, we provide a thorough and accurate evaluation.
How is Coronary Artery Disease Treated?
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, prevent heart attacks, and improve long-term heart health. Our approach is tailored to your individual needs and may include:
Lifestyle Changes
Heart-healthy diet
Regular exercise
Smoking cessation
Weight management
Medication
To control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar
To improve blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots
To relieve angina symptoms
Advanced Treatment Options
If lifestyle changes and medication are not enough to control your symptoms, we may recommend revascularisation procedures, such as:
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) – also known as coronary angioplasty and stenting
Treatment of complex cases including multi-vessel disease and chronic total occlusions (CTO)
Mechanical circulatory support, when necessary
Our consultants are recognised experts in complex coronary interventions and are happy to provide second opinions for patients seeking clarity on their treatment options.
Book a Consultation with London Heart Group
If you're concerned about chest pain, heart disease, or your risk of coronary artery disease, our team of leading private cardiologists in London is here to help.
Call us today or book your consultation online with London Heart Group, based in the heart of London, to receive expert care and peace of mind.