Feeling fine does not equal low risk for heart attacks.With coronary artery disease or “C”, “A”, “D” it’s easy to think, “I feel fine, so I am fine.” That can be wrong. Disease can be hidden and even at early stages a plaque rupture can lead to heart attack and death.

Hidden disease can be mild or moderate, which over time can become severe. Plaque can grow in the artery wall. The artery can expand outward, so the channel where blood flows can look normal.

Angiograms mostly show the channel. We don’t look only for a blockage. We look at disease burden. A Calcium Scan measures calcified plaque. Higher calcium score usually means more total disease.

Most heart attacks aren’t from slow closing. They can happen when plaque changes suddenly. The surface can rupture. A clot can form. Blood flow can drop quickly causing a Heart Attack.

Now we decide — together — and choose a plan that fits your needs. Disease is caused by many factors — including your genetics. We look at all risk factors: cholesterol that can build up in artery walls, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, family history and age to form a plan.