What coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease is a chronic condition in which the coronary arteries, which carry oxygenated blood to the heart, become blocked due to buildup of cholesterol. It is the most common form of cardiovascular disease. Coronary artery disease develops gradually. First, fatty plaque caused by cholesterol narrows the arteries. The plaque begins to calcify which causes the arteries to become stiff and hard. This is known as arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. If left untreated, it continues to worsen, eventually leading to a heart attack or cardiac arrest, and very possibly, death. Many people with coronary artery disease develop angina, which is chest pain, or have no symptoms at all. Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of death in our society.
