Heart

Blocked heart arteries (coronary artery disease)

Narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart, often leading to chest pain and heart attacks. It is the most common form of heart disease.

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Why it happens

In coronary artery disease, cholesterol-rich plaque narrows the arteries that feed the heart muscle. When flow is significantly reduced, patients feel chest pressure with exertion (angina). When a plaque ruptures and a clot forms, the result is a heart attack.

You cannot change your age or family history. What you can influence is substantial: blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, tobacco exposure, sleep, physical activity, and diet.

What it can feel like

Heart and vascular disease often progresses silently for years before symptoms appear. When they do, patients describe:

Chest pain, tightness, or pressure — especially with exertion
Shortness of breath at rest or with light activity
Unusual fatigue, especially with a known cardiac risk factor
Jaw, arm, or back discomfort, nausea, or lightheadedness (more common in women, older adults, and people with diabetes)

Sudden severe chest pressure lasting more than a few minutes warrants emergency evaluation. Call 911. Do not drive yourself.

How we check for it

Every evaluation starts with a careful history and physical exam. Depending on your symptoms and risk factors, your cardiologist may recommend:

EKG and rhythm monitoring

A recording of the heart’s electrical activity.

Echocardiogram

A heart ultrasound that shows structure and pump function.

Stress testing

Exercise or pharmacologic (medicine-based) testing of the heart under load.

Coronary calcium scoring or CT angiography

CT pictures that look for calcium and narrowing in the heart’s arteries.

Advanced lipid, inflammatory, and metabolic labs

Blood tests that refine your risk beyond a basic cholesterol panel.

Cardiac catheterization

Used when a definitive answer is needed.

Treatment options

Modern therapy blends lifestyle change, medication, and — when needed — procedures. Not every narrowing needs a stent.

Medication and risk-factor control. Statins, blood-pressure medications, and newer therapies in the right patients.
Coronary angioplasty and stenting. Restore blood flow to the heart through minimally invasive balloon angioplasty and stent placement.
Second opinions. We frequently provide second opinions for patients who have been advised to undergo open-heart surgery or coronary bypass — situations where a minimally invasive alternative may be available. Bring your imaging and recent records.

Medicare and most insurance plans accepted — we confirm your coverage before the visit. See the plans we accept.

Questions about blocked heart arteries

Does a blockage always need a stent?

No. The bar for offering a procedure is high: symptoms, imaging, and shared decision-making all have to line up. Many patients are treated with medication and lifestyle changes alone.

I have poor circulation in my legs. Should my heart be checked?

It is worth asking. Peripheral artery disease and coronary artery disease share the same underlying mechanism, and PAD is a strong signal for coronary artery disease. See our page on peripheral artery disease.

Is amavita a hospital or an outpatient practice?

Amavita is a specialty outpatient practice with two Miami locations and a dedicated in-house surgery center. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. For cases requiring hospital admission, Dr. Martinez-Clark has attending privileges at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital and Jackson Memorial.

Know where your heart arteries stand.

Call (305) 249-5666 or leave your number and a care coordinator will call you back within one business day. We verify your insurance before your visit. Most new patients are seen within 5–7 business days.

Book a cardiology consultation