Coronary artery disease (CAD), also called coronary heart disease, is a condition in which plaque (plak) builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply your heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood.

Research suggests that coronary artery disease (CAD) starts when certain factors damage the inner layers of the coronary arteries. These factors include: Smoking High amounts of certain fats and cholesterol in the bloodcholesterol High blood pressure High amounts of sugar in the blood due to insulin resistance or diabetesdiabetes When damage occurs, your body starts a healing process. Excess fatty tissues release compounds that promote this process. This healing causes plaque to build up where the arteries are damaged. The buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries may start in childhood. Over time, plaque can narrow or completely block some of your coronary arteries. This reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle. Plaque also can crack, which causes blood cells called platelets (PLATE-lets) to clump together and form blood clots at the site of the cracks. This narrows the arteries more and worsens angina or causes a heart attack.anginaheart attack

Some of the risk factors are: Diabetes Obesity High cholesterol and/or high blood pressure Metabolic syndrome Lack of physical activity and family history

A common symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD) is angina. Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. Also heart6 attack, heart failure, and Arrhythmia(skipping of heart beats).angina

Treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD) may include lifestyle changes, medicines, and medical procedures. To eliminate CAD you can reverse your risk factors. For example is you have high cholesterol eat honey nut cheerios. Example two: Exercise

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Each year, more than half a million Americans die from CAD.

Taking action to control your risk factors can help prevent or delay coronary artery disease (CAD). Your chance of developing CAD goes up with the number of risk factors you have.

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