Coronary artery disease is the nation's leading killer. When plaque builds up in the walls of the coronary arteries, blood flow becomes obstructed, reducing the heart's supply of oxygen. When the obstruction reaches a critical point, a heart attack, or acute myocardial infarction, occurs. Due to this lack of oxygen, heart muscle cells begin to die. An estimated 1.2 million Americans suffer heart attacks each year.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Center for Coronary Disease at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute focuses on treating patients before they develop a fatal heart attack with the most advanced strategies available in the world. Charles J. Davidson, MD is the medical director of the Center for Coronary Disease. Dr. Davidson leads the team of renowened cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons that work together to treat patients who may be at risk for, or those who have already had a heart attack. Patients with chest pain, abnormal stress tests, strong family histories of coronary disease or other risk factors are carefully evaluated with the latest technologies.

The goal for every patient is a treatment that is long-lasting, low-risk, and as minimally invasive as possible.Treatment strategies include comprehensive lipid (cholesterol) management protocols, angioplasty with drug-eluting stents, and coronary arterial bypass surgery maximizing the use of longer lasting arterial grafts. We continue to invest in medical technology to expand our comprehensive approach to the detection and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Ongoing clinical research trials in the clinical application of new drugs and devices, in the genetic basis of coronary disease, and in the outcomes of all of the various treatments used, assure that our patients receive the latest and best treatment.

Contact

For more information regarding coronary artery disease, please call the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at 1-866-662-8467 or request a first time appointment online.