What it is
The coronary arteries wrap the surface of the heart and feed the muscle itself. Over years, cholesterol-rich plaque narrows them (atherosclerosis). A stable narrowing limits blood flow when the heart works harder — felt as angina. If a plaque ruptures and a clot forms, the artery can close abruptly, cutting off the muscle's blood supply: a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
Why it matters
Risk Factors
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Smoking or tobacco use
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High LDL cholesterol
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High blood pressure
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Diabetes
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Family history of early heart disease
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Overweight or obesity and physical inactivity
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Older age and chronic kidney disease
Diagnostic Testing
We start with what we can do in-house and escalate only as needed:
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In-house echocardiography — assesses the heart's pumping function and structure.
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Stress testing — looks for reduced blood flow when the heart is working harder.
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Coronary CT / risk assessment — non-invasive evaluation when indicated.
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Cardiac catheterization (coronary angiography) — the definitive test, imaging the coronary arteries directly to see exactly where and how severe a blockage is. See the procedure →
Treatment Options
Medical & conservative therapy
The foundation for everyone with CAD — and often the only treatment a stable patient needs:
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Quitting tobacco
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A statin to lower cholesterol and stabilize plaque
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Antiplatelet medication (such as aspirin) to lower clot risk
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Blood-pressure and diabetes control
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Medications that ease angina (such as beta-blockers)
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Diet, activity, and cardiac risk-factor management
Invasive treatment
When a significant blockage limits blood flow or causes symptoms despite medication:
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Coronary angiography — catheter-based imaging that defines the blockage.
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Angioplasty & stenting (PCI) — a balloon opens the artery and a stent holds it open, often in the same setting, restoring blood flow to the heart muscle.
Nearly all patients go home the same day. Cardiac Catheterization & PCI →
Frequently asked questions
For referring providers — We accept referrals for coronary evaluation and intervention, from stable angina workup to significant disease needing revascularization. Refer: (918) 943-5303 · fax (855) 312-3594.
Refer urgently: suspected acute coronary syndrome — send to the ED · Routinely: stable angina, an abnormal stress test, or unexplained exertional dyspnea for evaluation. Full referral guide →