Coronary Artery Disease

This is the most common form of heart disease affecting more than 12 million Americans. It is caused by a narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which provide vital oxygen-carrying blood to the heart muscle.

An estimated 6.3 million Americans with coronary artery disease experience angina – pain resulting from inadequate blood supply to the heart – and another 7.2 million Americans with coronary artery disease experience a heart attack when one or more of the coronary arteries are completely blocked.

At the UConn Health Center, coronary artery disease can be diagnosed with a variety of sensitive and sophisticated techniques available in the Heart Station. Experts match the best procedure for each patient, based on factors such as their age, pre-existing conditions and other concerns.

Treatments for coronary artery disease include catheter-based interventional procedures, such as angiography and angioplasty. Some people with coronary artery disease are treated with advanced medications. More complicated cases require surgical interventions such as a coronary bypass graft. In this surgery, a vein from the leg, chest or lower arm is grafted onto the blocked artery, bypassing the clogged area.