Understanding and Treating Coronary Artery Disease in London
If you're looking for expert care in London for coronary artery disease, our specialised treatments can help manage and improve your heart health. Dr. De Silva, a consultant interventional cardiologist with experience at leading London hospitals, provides diagnostic and treatment options to support your cardiovascular well-being.
What is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the coronary arteries, responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, become narrowed or blocked. This blockage is typically caused by a buildup of fatty deposits called atheroma on the artery walls, a process known as atherosclerosis.
Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
The symptoms of CAD can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience no symptoms at all until the condition becomes severe. Common symptoms include:
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Angina This can range from mild discomfort to a feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest. It may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach.
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Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity.
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Pain Throughout the Body: Pain may be felt in other areas, such as the arms, shoulders, or jaw.
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Feeling Faint: Lightheadedness or dizziness.
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Feeling Sick (Nausea): An upset stomach or feeling queasy.
Causes of Coronary Artery Disease
Several factors contribute to the development of CAD secondary to atherosclerosis:​
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Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity.
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Medical Conditions: High cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia/dyslipidemia, high blood pressure (hypertension), and diabetes.
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Family History: A family history of heart disease increases the risk.
Diagnosing Coronary Artery Disease
Dr. De Silva provides thorough diagnosis of CAD at his private cardiology clinics in London. The process may include:
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Medical History and Risk Assessment: Discussing your medical history, family history, and lifestyle factors.
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Blood Tests: Checking cholesterol levels and other markers.
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Electrocardiogram (ECG): Recording the heart's electrical activity.
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Anatomic and functional (stress) imaging: Such as echocardiograms, CT coronary angiogram and, MRI scans, and coronary angiograms to visualize the heart and arteries.
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​Invasive coronary angiogram – a key-hole procedure which can accurately define and characterise coronary disease. It also allows for the treatment of narrowings to be treated with stent implantation (percutaneous coronary intervention).
Treatment for Coronary Artery Disease
There are, - various treatments that can effectively manage symptoms such as angina, reduce the risk of heart attacks, and improve quality of life. Dr. De Silva offers a range of advanced treatment options:
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Lifestyle Changes: Advice and support on healthy eating, regular exercise, and smoking cessation.
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Medications: Prescribing medications to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and prevent blood clots.
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Angioplasty and Stenting (PCI) : Dr De Silva undertakes a minimally invasive procedure to open blocked arteries with stent implantation.
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Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery: Dr De silva works closely with surgical colleagues to ensure bypass surgery is undertaken where required.
Preventing Coronary Artery Disease
Taking proactive steps to prevent CAD is essential for maintaining heart health. Dr De Silva runs a private preventative cardiology clinic - find out more here.
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These include:
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Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and salt.
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Regular Exercise: Aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
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Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of heart disease.
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Managing Cholesterol and Blood Pressure: Keeping cholesterol and blood pressure within a healthy range.
Contact Information
Don't let concerns about heart disease go unaddressed. Dr. De Silva provides expert care for coronary artery disease in London. Contact his private cardiology clinic today to take control of your heart health.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. De Silva, please contact his booking team.