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What is coronary artery disease (CAD)?
Coronary artery disease is the commonest form of heart disease in Europe and America. If you have coronary artery disease, it is a narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, the tanks which supply the heart with blood. It is not certain that the blood supply to the heart is good enough.
A narrowing of the arteries due to wax-like deposits, called plaque, on the inside of blood vessels. Plaque is a collection of fat and cholesterol that circulates in the blood. Fat and cholesterol are usually from the food you eat and accumulate time.
A fresh artery is elastic, smooth on the inside and able to carry enough blood to the heart.
A diseased artery is stiffer and narrowed due. Deposition of plaque is a problem because it can cause a blockage of the artery. Narrowing or blockage of an artery is called stenosis.
An artery with stenosis is like a clogged pipe. A blocked coronary artery is serious because the artery is the only passage that provides the heart with oxygen. A narrowed or blocked coronary artery means less blood and less oxygen to the heart muscles. The heart relies on the supply of sufficient oxygen and nutrients to function properly.
Plaque may be deposited in the arteries over many years. Coronary artery disease is generally a disease that develops gradually. The progressive deposition of plaque inside arteries is called atherosclerosis. If this process continues, you eventually have symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath and numbness in arms and shoulders. Coronary artery disease can even cause heart attack or myocardial infarction (MI).
Fortunately it is possible to treat coronary artery disease. If you have been given this diagnosis, you can talk to your doctor about treatment options.
Risk factors that may cause blood more likely to clot, which can lead to stroke include: