Also known as coronary heart disease or atherosclerotic heart disease is the most common form of heart disease in the United States. Coronary artery disease is a condition characterized by the development of atherosclerotic plaques (fibro-fatty deposits) in the coronary arteries.
In coronary artery disease, the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked and the bloods supply to the heart is restricted.
This diminished flow deprives the heart of vital oxygen and nutrient, causing tissue damage and potentially serious complications.
There are numbers of risk factors if modified can prevent development of CAD, including elevated serum cholesterol, low levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol, uncontrolled hypertension, cigarette smoking, obesity, and psychical inactivity.
The most common symptom is chest pain (angina); other symptoms include shortness of breath, swollen feet and ankles and pain in shoulder, arm, jaw or back.
Coronary artery disease
