Coronary Artery Disease

A form of heart disease that is characterized by narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle preventing an adequate flow of blood to the myocardium and interrupting the supply of oxygen and other nutrients the heart requires. The narrowing is generally caused by atherosclerosis, a build-up of fatty deposits called plaque on the interior walls of the arteries, though other factors may be involved. If a coronary artery is completely blocked, a heart attack occurs. Risk factors for coronary artery disease include a family history of heart disease, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity and physical inactivity.