Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease happens when fatty deposits called plaque (say “plak”) build up inside your coronary arteries. This process of plaque buildup is called atherosclerosis. Coronary arteries are the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to your heart. Plaque buildup may reduce the amount of blood that gets to…

Coronary artery disease

Normal coronary artery and blood flow and an artery narrowed by atherosclerosis

Coronary artery disease happens when fatty deposits called plaque (say “plak”) build up inside your coronary arteries. This process of plaque buildup is called atherosclerosis.

Coronary arteries are the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to your heart. Plaque buildup may reduce the amount of blood that gets to your heart. Coronary artery disease can cause angina symptoms, such as chest pain or pressure. It can lead to a heart attack.

Current as ofApril 9, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
Rakesh K. Pai, MD – Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD – Family Medicine
Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC – Interventional Cardiology

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