Coronary artery disease — the narrowing of the heart's arteries due to a gradual build-up of fatty deposits — is the most prevalent form of heart disease and a leading cause of heart attacks. Fortunately, it is also one of the most treatable conditions in modern medicine. When diagnosed early, coronary artery disease can be managed effectively, allowing most patients to lead full, active lives while focusing on heart attack prevention.
I am Dr. Ozan Demir, a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist practicing in London and Essex, with specialized expertise in coronary intervention. I oversee the entire pathway of coronary artery disease management — from the initial symptoms and diagnosis to performing angioplasty and stenting personally at leading hospitals.
Your heart muscle is nourished by blood supplied through the coronary arteries. Over time, cholesterol-rich deposits, known as plaque, can accumulate within the artery walls, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis. As these arteries narrow, blood flow to the heart muscle becomes restricted, especially during physical exertion when the heart requires more oxygen.
This restriction can lead to:
- Angina — a feeling of chest tightness, pressure, or heaviness during exertion that alleviates with rest. Some individuals may experience breathlessness instead of pain.
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction) — which can occur if a plaque ruptures, causing a clot to suddenly block the artery completely.
Coronary artery disease often develops silently over the years, which is why it can first manifest as a heart attack in someone who previously felt entirely healthy. Early identification of this condition is crucial for heart attack prevention, making proactive assessment essential. Consulting with an interventional cardiologist can provide valuable insights for managing and mitigating risks associated with coronary artery disease.
Coronary artery disease may cause:
Chest tightness, pressure, heaviness, or aching — typically triggered by exertion, cold weather, stress, or heavy meals, and subsiding with rest.
Pain or discomfort may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
Breathlessness on exertion — sometimes the only symptom, particularly in women and individuals with diabetes.
Reduced exercise tolerance — struggling with hills or stairs that were previously manageable.
Fatigue.
Importantly, coronary artery disease can also be completely silent. For effective heart attack prevention, if you have significant risk factors, assessment is worthwhile even without symptoms. Consulting an interventional cardiologist can help evaluate your individual risk and determine the best course of action.
Your first appointment lasts around 30 minutes and includes: A detailed discussion of your symptoms and risk factors — such as family history, lifestyle, and previous test results related to coronary artery disease. A physical examination and resting ECG performed in clinic. A personalised risk assessment — understanding your individual likelihood of coronary disease and strategies for heart attack prevention. A clear plan — outlining which tests you need and what the results will mean, all guided by an interventional cardiologist.
Investigations are tailored to your symptoms and risk profile, particularly in the context of coronary artery disease and heart attack prevention. I can arrange rapid access to: CT coronary angiogram — a highly accurate, non-invasive scan of the coronary arteries that is the first-line test recommended by NICE for suspected angina, capable of detecting disease in its earliest stages. Coronary artery calcium score — a quick scan that quantifies calcified plaque, useful for refining risk in individuals without symptoms. Echocardiogram — assessing the heart's pumping function. Stress testing — evaluating how the heart performs under exertion. Blood tests — including a full cholesterol profile and diabetes screening. Invasive coronary angiography — the definitive assessment performed personally by me via the wrist artery, with the option to treat significant narrowings during the same procedure as an interventional cardiologist. Most patients complete their assessment and key investigations within one to two weeks.
Treatment for coronary artery disease comprises three essential pillars, which can be utilized individually or in combination:
1. Medication and risk factor control: Medications such as statins and other cholesterol-lowering drugs, alongside blood pressure treatment, antiplatelet therapy, and diabetes management, play a crucial role in heart attack prevention. These interventions can dramatically reduce the risk of heart attack and may even help stabilise or regress arterial plaque. Many patients with coronary artery disease experience successful management with medication alone.
2. Coronary angioplasty and stenting (PCI): When narrowings significantly restrict blood flow, my role as an interventional cardiologist involves performing angioplasty and stenting. This minimally invasive procedure entails reopening the artery with a balloon and keeping it open with a stent, typically through a small wrist puncture as a day case under local anaesthetic. I focus on complex coronary intervention, addressing challenges like heavily calcified arteries and multi-vessel disease that require advanced techniques and equipment.
3. Coronary bypass surgery (CABG): In certain cases of coronary artery disease, surgery offers the best long-term outcome. When this approach is appropriate, I will explain the rationale and refer you to top cardiac surgical colleagues. Your case will be discussed in detail at a specialist heart team meeting to ensure comprehensive care.
Regardless of your treatment plan, you will continue to receive follow-up care from me, emphasizing long-term risk management.
As a consultant interventional cardiologist with subspecialty expertise in complex coronary intervention — including treatments for coronary artery disease, calcified arteries, chronic total occlusions, and multi-vessel disease — I hold a PhD from King's College London and have completed advanced interventional fellowship training at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, a leading centre for complex coronary interventions. My extensive research includes over 100 peer-reviewed publications focused on heart attack prevention. I provide end-to-end care, guiding patients from their first consultation through CT imaging to angioplasty and stenting, all provided by one consultant with no need for re-referral. I offer rapid access with same-week appointments available at Heart Health Welbeck London (Marylebone), Cromwell Hospital (Kensington), The Wellington Hospital (St John's Wood), Bupa Health Care Canary Wharf, and The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (Basildon). Consultations are available in both English and Turkish, and I'm recognized by all major private medical insurers. Self-paying patients are also welcome.
Coronary artery disease is most treatable when caught early — before it progresses to an advanced stage. Early detection is crucial for heart attack prevention. Contact my practice team to arrange a consultation with an interventional cardiologist at one of my London or Essex locations.
To schedule your consultation, reach out to Ms Melinda Ziff (PA) at 020 3198 9826 or drozandemir.sec@outlook.com.