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Coronary Artery Disease
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Blood Heart Circulation

Coronary Artery Disease

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

Overview

Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed. This process is caused by the buildup of cholesterol and other materials, known as plaque, on the inner walls of the arteries. This buildup is called atherosclerosis.

Progression and Complications

As plaque grows, it restricts blood flow, preventing the heart muscle from receiving the necessary oxygen and blood. This can lead to several serious health issues:

  • Angina: Chest pain resulting from the restricted blood supply.
  • Heart Attack: Most commonly occurs when a blood clot suddenly cuts off the heart's blood supply, causing permanent heart damage.
  • Heart Failure: Over time, CAD can weaken the heart muscle, making it unable to pump blood effectively to the rest of the body.
  • Arrhythmias: Changes in the normal beating rhythm of the heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

The key risk factors for CAD include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, a family history of heart disease, and increasing age. Many of these are modifiable. You can significantly reduce your risk by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle: quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats, and managing existing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes with your doctor.
Diagnosing CAD often starts with a physical exam and a review of your medical history and risk factors. Common diagnostic tests include an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check electrical activity of the heart, an exercise stress test to see how your heart performs under exertion, and blood tests to check cholesterol levels and other markers. More advanced tests may include an echocardiogram, a cardiac CT scan (CT angiography) to visualize the arteries, or a coronary angiogram, which is an invasive procedure that uses dye and X-rays to show blockages in the coronary arteries.
Lifestyle changes are fundamental to managing CAD and preventing its progression. Key changes include adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium. Regular physical activity, as advised by your doctor, helps strengthen the heart and improve circulation. Quitting smoking is paramount, as is managing stress through techniques like meditation or yoga. Maintaining a healthy weight and getting adequate sleep also contribute significantly to heart health.
Treatment for CAD aims to reduce symptoms, slow disease progression, and prevent complications like heart attack. It typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes medical procedures. Medications may include antiplatelet drugs (like aspirin), cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins), beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors. Procedures can range from angioplasty and stenting, which open blocked arteries, to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, which creates new pathways for blood flow around blockages.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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