Although treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD) is increasingly successful at prolonging life and reducing complications and hospitalization, coronary artery disease can lead to a heart attack, stroke, and other fatal conditions. Many important end-of-life decisions can be made while you are active and able to communicate your wishes.

When you are diagnosed with coronary artery disease, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. If your coronary artery disease is advanced and your life will most likely be shortened by the illness, your doctor may talk to you about your desire to be revived (resuscitated) when your illness progresses and your breathing stops. You may want to learn more about aggressive life-sustaining medical treatment and whether it is right for you. For more information, see:

Should I stop curative treatment?

Many other decisions about end-of-life issues, such as writing a living will and estate planning, can be made in advance, leaving valuable time for spending with loved ones and on other important matters. For more information, see the topics Care at the End of Life and Writing an Advance Directive.