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Coronary Artery Disease

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/coronaryarterydisease.html

Also called: Also called: CAD, Coronary arteriosclerosis, Coronary atherosclerosis

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. As the buildup 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.

Over time, CAD can also weaken the heart muscle and contribute to heart failure and arrhythmias. Heart failure means the heart can't pump blood well to the rest of the body. Arrhythmias are changes in the normal beating rhythm of the heart.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

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The primary NIH organization for research on Coronary Artery Disease is the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/

Coronary Artery Disease - Multiple Languages - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/languages/coronaryarterydisease.html

Date last updated: September 17 2008
Topic last reviewed: August 28 2008