Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Coronary Artery Disease Care at UVM Health

Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart become narrowed or blocked by a buildup of plaque made of fat, cholesterol and calcium.

CAD is common and develops slowly over many years. Early care and lifestyle changes can help prevent symptoms and reduce the risk of serious complications like heart attack.

Why Choose UVM Health?

Heart and vascular specialists at University of Vermont Health are leading experts in diagnosing, treating and managing coronary artery disease. We offer comprehensive cardiovascular care — from long-term disease management to advanced heart surgery.

Coordinated, multidisciplinary care: You have access to a collaborative team that includes cardiologists (preventive, interventional, and heart rhythm specialists), cardiovascular surgeons, and other specialists. If you need more specialized treatment, we coordinate appointments, referrals and transfers quickly, ensuring seamless, personalized care.
Evidence-based, research-driven treatments: Many of our physicians are active researchers who participate in and lead national clinical trials focused on improving heart and vascular care. This helps bring emerging, evidence-based approaches into your treatment options.
Advanced heart and vascular procedures: We perform high volumes of specialized procedures, including percutaneous coronary intervention and heart bypass surgery. To support complex procedures, we perform Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), providing expertise for complex cases.

Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors

Common factors that may increase your risk of developing coronary artery disease include:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Diabetes
Obesity
Lack of physical activity
Family history of heart disease
Aging

Coronary Artery Disease Symptoms

CAD symptoms can vary, but common signs include:

Chest pain or pressure (angina)
Shortness of breath
Pain in the neck, jaw, shoulder or arm
Fatigue, especially during activity
Dizziness or lightheadedness

Seek emergency care if symptoms are severe or sudden.

Wellness & Prevention

Evidence shows that proactive health care focused on preventing illness leads to better outcomes. We're here to help you live a healthier, happier life. We offer wellness and prevention services to empower you to take control of your health.

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Diagnosing Coronary Artery Disease

Your provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history and family history. They may check your blood pressure, cholesterol and listen to your heart and lungs.

Diagnostic testing may include:

Electrocardiogram (EKG): Measures heart rhythm and identifies possible heart strain
Stress test: Shows how your heart works during exercise. This can be performed with EKG monitoring alone or combined with images of the heart using nuclear scans or echocardiograms.
Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to look at heart structure and movement
CT coronary angiogram: Detects blockage in a blood vessel supplying the heart.
CT coronary calcium: Identifies the presence of coronary artery disease but not the severrity of blockage.
Cardiac catheterization: Procedure using a small, hollow tube (catheter) to access your heart muscle, valves and blood vessels

Coronary Artery Disease Treatment

Treatment focuses on improving blood flow to the heart, reducing symptoms and lowering your risk of heart attack or other complications.

Common treatment options include:

Lifestyle changes: Eating a heart‑healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking and managing stress
Medications: To lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, prevent blood clots or ease chest pain
Cardiac rehabilitation: A supervised program that includes exercise, education and support
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (Angioplasty and stenting): A procedure to open narrowed arteries and improve blood flow
Coronary artery bypass surgery: Surgery that reroutes blood around severely blocked arteries

Your care team will work closely with you to select a treatment plan based on your symptoms, health history and personal goals.