Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) or coronary heart disease is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries, which supplies oxygen rich blood to the heart muscles.

Plaque is made of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other things found in the blood. Plaque builds up in the arteries is called atherosclerosis.

Build up of plaque narrows the arteries and thus reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. And it encourages the formation of blood clots in the arteries, which can partially or completely block blood flow. Lack of blood flow to heart muscles causes’ chest pain or discomfort called angina.

A heart attack may occur when blood flow to the heart muscle is completely blocked and prevents oxygen rich blood supply to certain area of heart muscle and causes it to die. Without immediate emergency treatment, a heart attack can cause serious problems and even death.

In due course coronary artery disease can weaken the heart muscle and may develop heart failure and arrhythmias (irregular rhythm of heart beat). Heart failure is a condition in which heart cannot able to pump enough blood throughout the body.

Coronary Artery Disease can also be called as: Coronary heart disease, Heart disease, Ischemic heart disease.

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