Care for Coronary Artery Disease at University of Colorado Hospital

Why Choose Treatment for Coronary Artery Disease at University of Colorado Hospital?

University of ColoradoHospital is committed to helping people with coronary artery disease. We offer the latest advanced treatments, have some of the best outcomes in the state, and the greatest patient safety records. We also have a full-service cardiac rehabilitation program.

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease is narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels that deliver blood with oxygen to the heart. This can lead to:

Coronary artery disease affects about 13 million Americans. It causes more than a half million deaths per year. Risk factors include:

  • Smoking
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Obesity
  • Poor diet and lack of exercise
  • Family history of heart disease

Departments Treating Coronary Artery Disease

Cardiac & Vascular Center
Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
(720) 848-5300

Coronary Artery Disease Research

The Cardiac & Vascular Center at University of Colorado Hospital is testing the use of cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA) to identify coronary artery disease. CTA uses rotating X-rays to show blood flow in the arteries and veins of the heart. The beams pass through the chest from several different angles to create cross-sectional images, which are assembled into three-dimensional computer images.

Dye is injected into a small vein through an IV, usually placed in the arm. Most patients undergo the CTA without being admitted to the hospital.

The scanner enables doctors and technicians to:

  • Screen patients with traditional risk factors to help prevent heart disease and determine the extent of obstruction in the coronary arteries
  • Evaluate pre- and post-cardiac surgery patients
  • Develop better images during cardiac catheterization procedures