Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. It is
the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women.


CAD happens when the arteries that supply blood to heart muscle become
hardened and narrowed. This is due to the buildup of cholesterol and other
material, called plaque, on their inner walls. This buildup is called atherosclerosis. As it
grows, less blood can flow through the arteries. As a result, the heart muscle
can't get the blood or oxygen it needs. This can lead to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack.  Most
heart attacks happen when a blood clot suddenly cuts
off the hearts' blood supply, causing permanent heart damage.