Coronary artery disease
is the nation's leading killer and occurs when the coronary arteries
that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed,
because of plaque build up in the artery walls. This buildup of
plaque is also known as atherosclerosis. As the plaque build up
increases, the coronary arteries get narrower with less area for blood
flow. The blood carries oxygen to the heart muscle, and reduced blood
flow results in reduced oxygen to the heart muscle. This can result in
angina (chest discomfort when the heart is not getting enough blood) or
a heart attack.
The gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease is a coronary angiogram (or a cardiac catheterization).
In some women who have symptoms of angina or a heart attack, coronary
artery disease may not be visible in the coronary arteries when looking
at them by a coronary angiogram. The coronary arteries can appear
"normal" by an angiogram, yet they may still have coronary plaques.
Recent data has shown that this occurs in about two-thirds of women
with signs and symptoms of heart disease. This is known as coronary microvascular syndrome.
This syndrome is described as a diffuse or evenly spread buildup of
plaque in the main coronary arteries and in a network of tiny vessels
called microvasculature. To compensate for the diffuse buildup of
plaque, the artery walls grow outward so that the arteries appear open
or patent on angiogram. It is not clear why women seem prone to
coronary microvascular syndrome, though it may be linked to hormonal
imbalances and a greater tendency towards developing inflammation,
which plays a role in artery disease.
Northwestern Memorial
Hospital's Center for Coronary Disease at the Bluhm Cardiovascular
Institute focuses on treating patients before they develop a fatal
heart attack with the most advanced strategies available in the world. Charles J. Davidson, MD is the medical director of the Center for Coronary Disease. Dr. Davidson leads the team of renowened cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons
that work together to treat patients who may be at risk for, or those
who have already had a heart attack. Patients with chest pain, abnormal
stress tests, strong family histories of coronary disease or other risk
factors are carefully evaluated with the latest technologies.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the first academic medical center in Chicago to offer both the single and dual source 64 slice CTA. Utilizing the most accurate, non-invasive diagnostic technology available today, these two state of the art CT technologies produce computer images of the heart and coronary arteries to help physicians determine the best treatment strategy. The goal for every patient is a treatment that is long-lasting, low-risk, and as minimally invasive as possible. Treatment strategies include comprehensive lipid (cholesterol) management protocols, angioplasty with drug-eluting stents, and coronary arterial bypass surgery maximizing the use of longer lasting arterial grafts. We continue to invest in medical technology to expand our comprehensive approach to the detection and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Ongoing research in the clinical application of new drugs and devices, in the genetic basis of coronary disease, and in the outcomes of all of the various treatments used, assure that our patients receive the latest and best treatment.
Contact
Center for Coronary Disease
(866) 662-8467 (toll free)
