Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary arteries bring oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is blockage of these arteries. If the blockage is complete, areas of the heart muscle may be damaged. In severe cases, heart muscle dies. This can lead to a heart attack. Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death worldwide. Causes of CAD include:

• Thickening of the walls of the arteries feeding the heart muscle
• Accumulation of fatty plaques within the coronary arteries
• Sudden spasm of a coronary artery
• Narrowing of the coronary arteries
• Inflammation within the coronary arteries
• Development of a blood clot within the coronary arteries

Symptoms of coronary artery disease include:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Weakness

Learn more about the causes and risk factors of coronary artery disease or find out how to prevent it.

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