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Cardiology · Cardiac surgery

Coronary artery disease treatment in China

Comprehensive CAD care from primary prevention through PCI and CABG at Class A cardiac centres including Fuwai NCCD — globally-leading volumes, modern techniques, prices a fraction of US.

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Overview

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death globally and accumulates risk over decades. Modern care spans primary prevention (statins, BP control, lifestyle), secondary prevention after events, and intervention (PCI, CABG). China's cardiac centres — anchored by Fuwai NCCD with one of the highest cardiac surgery volumes globally — deliver world-class care at substantially lower cost.

Common symptoms

  • Chest pain or pressure with exertion (typical angina)
  • Shortness of breath, particularly with exertion
  • Often asymptomatic until a major event
  • Atypical presentations more common in women, older adults, and people with diabetes

Risk factors

  • Hypertension
  • Dyslipidaemia (especially elevated LDL and Lp(a))
  • Diabetes / prediabetes
  • Smoking (current or former)
  • Family history of premature CAD
  • Age, sex, sedentary lifestyle, abdominal obesity

Standard diagnostic workup

Cost band at Class A international department: USD 280–540 all-in.

  • Comprehensive lipid panel including ApoB and (once in lifetime) Lp(a)
  • HbA1c, fasting glucose, BP measurement
  • ECG; echocardiogram in selected patients
  • Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score for intermediate-risk patients
  • Coronary CT angiography (CTA) for symptomatic patients
  • Stress imaging or coronary angiography in advanced cases

Treatment options

First-line

Lifestyle modification

Diet, exercise, sleep, smoking cessation — foundational across all stages.

First-line

Statin therapy

First-line lipid-lowering. PCSK9 inhibitors and ezetimibe for higher-risk or insufficiently controlled patients.

First-line

Antiplatelet therapy

Aspirin, P2Y12 inhibitors per indication.

First-line

Cardiac rehabilitation

Strong evidence for mortality and morbidity reduction post-event. Available at academic cardiac centres.

Selected cases

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)

Stenting for acute coronary syndromes, refractory angina with appropriate anatomy. Drug-eluting stents standard.

Selected cases

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

Surgical revascularisation for left main disease, three-vessel disease (especially with diabetes or reduced LV function), and selected complex cases. Off-pump and minimally invasive options available.

Details →

Frequently asked

What's my 10-year cardiovascular risk?
Take our CVD risk screener for a structured 3-minute assessment that identifies whether a formal cardiac workup is warranted.
Should I get a coronary calcium score?
CAC is most useful for adults 40–75 at intermediate calculated risk where the lipid-lowering decision is uncertain. China cost: USD 140–220 vs USD 200–1,200 US.
When is CABG vs PCI appropriate?
Decision is best made by a heart team — cardiologist plus cardiac surgeon — based on coronary anatomy, comorbidities, and patient preference. Left main disease, three-vessel disease (especially with diabetes / reduced LV function), and complex two-vessel disease typically favour CABG.
Why Fuwai for cardiac surgery?
Fuwai (NCCD) performs over 14,000 cardiac surgeries per year — one of the highest-volume centres globally. Volume drives surgical-team specialisation, equipment depth, and operational excellence in cardiac ICU.
Self-assessment

Cardiovascular 10-year risk screener

Lifestyle and history-based screener inspired by ASCVD and QRISK frameworks. Estimates whether a formal cardiac workup is warranted.

Take the Cardio risk screener

Related procedures

Cardiology · Cardiac surgery

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in China

CABG at Fuwai Hospital and other Class A cardiac centres — globally-leading volume, modern off-pump and minimally invasive techniques, all-in cost approximately one-fifth of US private rates.

Related specialty

Cardiology · Cardiac surgery hub →

Further reading

Cardiology

Coronary Calcium Score in China: $200 vs $1,200 in the US

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring is one of the highest-value cardiac imaging tests for primary prevention. In China, it's also one of the cheapest — by an order of magnitude.

Quality & Safety

Class A Hospital Quality Indicators: What Volume, JCI, and Outcomes Data Actually Tell You

Class A is a Chinese national hospital tier — but it doesn't tell the whole quality story. Here is how to read volume, accreditation, and outcomes data when comparing centres.

Talk to a senior physician

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