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FOR PATIENTS & FAMILIES
Coronary artery disease — Take-home summary
The essentials to keep, discuss, and use between visits.
Understand your condition
Plaque builds in arteries that supply the heart. It can limit blood flow or rupture and trigger a clot. Treatment reduces risk and symptoms; some people need a stent or bypass surgery.
Everyday care
- Take prescribed cholesterol and other heart medicines consistently.
- Do not stop aspirin or another antiplatelet after a stent without instructions.
- Follow your activity plan and discuss cardiac rehabilitation when appropriate.
When to contact your care team
Contact your care team promptly for a change in your usual symptom pattern, reduced exercise tolerance, or medication problems. New or persistent chest symptoms need acute assessment.
When to call 911
Call 911 for new or unexplained chest pressure that lasts more than a few minutes or returns, especially with sweating, nausea, breathlessness, or faintness. Do not drive yourself.
Questions for your next visit
- What is my cholesterol goal?
- How long do I need my antiplatelet medicines?
- What should I do if chest symptoms occur?
Reviewed October 11, 2026. This summary supports your personal care plan.