Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. CAD develops when coronary arteries that feed the heart muscle are affected. As the blood flow to the heart muscle is restricted, angina (chest pain) or heart attack can occur. CAD is a specific form of atherosclerosis, a disease characterized by the gradual buildup of deposits, or plaque, in the blood vessels.

The term atherosclerosis comes from two Greek words: athero, meaning gruel or paste, and sclerosis, meaning hardness. Atherosclerotic plaque consists of fatty substances, called lipids, and "harder" substances, such as calcium and fibrous tissue. Over time, plaque in the blood vessels can interfere with the supply of blood to various organs of the body.

People with atherosclerotic disease in one blood vessel are more likely to develop it in others and in other areas of the body, such as peripheral arterial disease in the legs or stroke. Just like high blood pressure or diabetes, atherosclerotic diseases, such as coronary artery disease, require lifelong treatment.

• Plaque
• HIgh blood pressure (hypertension)

How does atherosclerosis develop?