Coronary Artery Disease is the most common form of heart disease in Europe and the United States. If you have CAD, you are experiencing a narrowing or blocking of your coronary arteries, the vessels carrying blood to your heart. Enough blood may not be reaching your heart. The narrowing of arteries is due to the build up of a waxy substance, called plaque, on the inside lining of the vessels. Plaque is an accumulation of fat and cholesterol circulating in the blood. This fat and cholesterol usually come from the food you eat and collects over time.
A healthy artery is elastic, smooth on the inside, and able to deliver enough blood to your heart.
A diseased artery is hardened and narrowed with plaque. The accumulation of plaque is a concern because it can potentially block the artery. The narrowing or blocking of an artery is called stenosis.
An artery with stenosis is like a pipe with a clog. A clogged coronary artery is bad because these vessels are the only route for oxygen to reach your heart. A narrowed or blocked coronary artery means less blood and less oxygen for heart muscles. Your heart must receive enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly.
Plaque can accumulate in your arteries over many years. CAD overall is a gradual disease. The gradual process of plaque accumulating on the inside layer of arteries is called atherosclerosis. If this process continues, you may start having symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness in your arms and numbness in your shoulders. Coronary Artery Disease may even cause a heart attack, or myocardial infarction (MI).
Fortunately, Coronary Artery Disease can be treated. If you have been diagnosed with CAD, discuss treatment options with your physician.
Last update: 31.07.2005
