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Coronary Artery Disease
What Causes Coronary Artery Disease?
CAD is caused by atherosclerosis, the thickening and hardening of the inside walls of arteries. Some hardening of the arteries occurs normally as you grow older.
In atherosclerosis, plaque deposits build up in the arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances from the blood. Plaque buildup in the arteries often begins in childhood. Over time, plaque buildup in the coronary arteries can:
• Narrow the arteries so that less blood can flow to the heart muscle
• Completely block the arteries and the flow of blood
• Cause blood clots to form and block the arteries.
Plaque in the arteries can be:
• Hard and stable. Hard plaque causes the artery walls to thicken and harden. This condition is associated more with angina than with a heart attack, but heart attacks frequently occur with hard plaque.
• Soft and unstable. Soft plaque is more likely to break open or apart and cause blood clots. This can lead to a heart attack.
What Is Coronary Artery Disease?
What Makes Coronary Artery Disease More Likely?
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease?
How is Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed?
