by Badash M

The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. CAD is damage or disease of these arteries. These changes slow or stop the flow of blood.

Regular blood flow is needed to bring oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. Without this supply, the heart cannot work as it should. A lack of oxygen can lead to damage or death of heart muscle. Blood flow changes can lead to:

  • Ischemia—damage to heart tissue
  • Angina—chest pain caused by slowed blood flow to the heart
  • Myocardial infarction (heart attack)—blood flow that is completely blocked off

CAD is caused by atherosclerosis. This is when plaque builds up on the walls of blood vessels and causes them to narrow. Plaque is made up of substances like cholesterol. Blood vessel walls that are damaged or injured make it easier for the plaque to stick and continue to build up.

Blocked Coronary Artery
Animated image of person doing free weight biceps curl
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References

C-reactive protein (CRP) as cardiac risk factor. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/evaluation/c-reactive-protein-crp-as-cardiac-risk-factor. Accessed April 27, 2022.

Coronary artery disease (CAD). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/coronary-artery-disease-cad. Accessed April 27, 2022.

What is coronary heart disease? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/coronary-heart-disease. Accessed April 27, 2022.

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