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What is coronary artery disease?

Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is a slow process in which deposits of fat, cholesterol and calcium build up inside your arteries (deposits called plaque). This plaque causes your artery walls to become rough, hard and more narrow. When your heart vessels are affected, blood flow and oxygen to your heart are decreased. Atherosclerosis can lead to coronary artery disease (CAD), and when the obstruction reaches a critical point, a heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction) occurs.

Northwestern Medicine focuses on treating patients before they develop a sometimes fatal heart attack, using advanced treatment options. If you have coronary artery disease that requires coronary angioplasty or bypass surgery, know that Northwestern Medicine consistently ranks among the top hospitals in the nation for exceptional interventional and surgical outcomes.

Meet the Teams

Our goal at the Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is to achieve superior results for all of our patients and to help them return to normal activities while improving their overall quality of life.

Conditions

Treatments

Locations & Contact Information
    23-2202c USNWR National Specialty Cards_NHM_National Cardio

    Northwestern Memorial Hospital
    The No. 7 heart and vascular surgery program in the United States and the highest-ranked in Illinois for 16 straight years.

    Make an Appointment

    At Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, we are dedicated to delivering leading-edge, comprehensive heart and vascular care.

    Make an appointment today.

    Schedule a Coronary Calcium Scan

    Take the first step to understand your risk for coronary artery disease and to prevent a heart attack.

    Looking for a Heart or Vascular Second Opinion?

    We offer second opinions for heart and vascular conditions. You can schedule a virtual visit or an in-person visit at one of our convenient locations.

    Complete a short form to have a nurse contact you by phone or email. They will suggest a physician for you to make your second opinion visit with.

    For the Cardiovascular Professional

    Learn more about physician referrals, AI technologies, CME, clinical trials and news from Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute.