The 20 Best Coronary Heart Disease Doctors Near Me in Danville, KY

Coronary heart disease is a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is also called coronary artery disease.

The most common symptom of coronary heart disease (CHD) is chest pain called angina. This can feel like pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest. Angina can happen during or after exercise or with intense emotions like anger or grief. The pain usually goes away after resting or taking a medication called nitroglycerin.  

Other CHD symptoms include: 

• Shortness of breath 

• Tiredness 

• Weakness 

• Dizziness 

• Fatigue 

• Feeling lightheaded 

In serious cases, CHD can lead to a heart attack. A heart attack can feel like severe chest pain that doesn’t go away and may spread to the arms, neck, or back. Some people may feel sick to their stomach, break out in a sweat, or feel like their heart is thumping, racing, or fluttering. If symptoms of a heart attack are present, call 911 or visit the Emergency Room immediately. 

Treatment for CHD includes lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgery. Lifestyle changes involve eating healthier, staying active, quitting smoking, and managing stress. These changes improve heart health and prevent the disease from getting worse. Doctors may prescribe medicines to lower cholesterol, control blood pressure, or prevent blood clots. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a procedure like angioplasty, where a balloon is used to open blocked arteries, or bypass surgery, where a new path for blood flow is created. Regular check-ups with a doctor and sticking to the treatment plan are important for managing CHD. 

Cardiologists are the main doctors who treat CHD. They specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the heart and blood vessels (e.g., arteries, capillaries, veins, etc.) If surgery is needed, a heart surgeon, called a cardiothoracic surgeon, may perform procedures like heart bypass surgery, valve repairs or replacements, and heart transplants. Primary care doctors may also help by managing overall health and making sure the disease doesn’t get worse. Other healthcare professionals, like dietitians and physical therapists, may help with nutrition and exercise.  

The terms coronary artery disease (CAD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) are often used interchangeably, but CAD can lead to CHD. CAD happens when the arteries that bring blood to the heart get narrowed or blocked by a buildup of plaque. This plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. When these blockages cause symptoms like chest pain, the condition is called CHD. 

Life expectancy for someone with CHD depends on several factors, including age, overall health, and how well they manage the disease. People who follow their doctor’s advice and make lifestyle changes – like watching their nutrition, managing stress, and quitting smoking – can live many years with CHD. Medicines that lower cholesterol and control blood pressure can also help improve life expectancy. Some people may need surgery to improve blood flow to the heart. Regular doctor visits are important to monitor the disease and catch problems early.