Coronary Artery Disease

Healthy arteries are flexible, strong, and elastic. Their inner layer is smooth and blood flows freely. As you get older, your arteries become thicker, less elastic, and deposits build up in them. This leads to a general hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

Atherosclerosis (or arteriosclerosis) is the main cause of coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis is the gradual buildup of plaque (cholesterol and other substances) inside the artery. When this happens in a coronary artery, the space inside the artery where blood flows becomes narrow, making it difficult for blood to flow freely. The result is less blood flow through the artery and less blood supply to heart tissue (a condition called ischemia). Symptoms of ischemia can include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and fatigue. These symptoms can be mild, or abrupt and severe. Progressive coronary artery disease can lead to a heart attack.