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Physician examining patient with a stethoscope

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

Coronary Artery Disease Clinical Trials

Empower This study aims to generate real-world clinical evidence associated with coronary intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) in a population of female subjects with calcified coronary artery disease. Eligible participants will receive Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy via Shockwave Medical Coronary IVL System. Subjects will have clinical follow-up prior to discharge from the intervention and at 30 days, 1, 2 and 3 years.
Principal Investigator: Ranya Sweis, MD 

Locations & Contact Information
    Northwestern Memorial Hospital is ranked No. 7 by U.S. News and World Report in Heart and Vascular.

    Northwestern Memorial Hospital
    The No. 7 heart and vascular surgery program in the United States and the highest-ranked in Illinois for 17 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.

    Talk to a Cardiovascular Nurse

    To talk to a nurse about your heart and vascular condition or to schedule a virtual visit or an in-person visit at one of our convenient locations, complete a short form and a nurse will contact you by phone or email. A nurse will recommend a physician based on your condition, preferences and treatment goals.

    For the Cardiovascular Professional

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