Impact of Coronary Images Used During Patient Education on Coronary Artery Disease and Subsequent Lifestyle Modifications. Is a Picture Really Worth a Thousand Words?

Subjects in this research study have Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). This occurs when there
is a build-up of fatty material in the wall of the heart arteries that causes narrowing of
the arteries. This could lead to chest pain, a heart attack, weakening of the heart and/or
permanent damage to the heart. As part of their normal routine care, subjects had or will
have a Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) to restore the blood flow in the arteries of
their heart. During a PCI procedure, pictures are taken of the arteries before and after the
treatment of the narrowing in the arteries. These pictures are acquired through angiography
which is a way to produce X-ray pictures of the inside of arteries.

After a PCI procedure, there is a possibility for narrowing of the arteries to return. The
likelihood of this happening can be greatly reduced by lifestyle changes and adhering to
heart medication regimens. It is part of normal, routine care for CAD patients to be given
written and verbal information on how to lead a heart healthy lifestyle and to take heart
medications properly.

In this research study, the investigators will show half of the patients their before and
after images of their heart arteries where the narrowing occurred and was treated. The other
half of the patients will not be shown these images. Both groups will still receive
information about lifestyle and medications as part of their normal, routine care. At the
end of this study, the investigators will compare both groups to see if there are any
differences in making lifestyle changes and taking heart medications properly. Additionally,
the investigators would also like to see if there are any resulting differences in the
amount of hearts attacks or other heart related medical events.