What Is Coronary Artery Disease?
In coronary artery disease, the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked by a gradual build-up of fat (cholesterol) within the artery wall, which reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. This build-up is called "atherosclerotic plaque" or simply "plaque."
Although death rates from heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases have declined slightly in recent years, these illnesses claim one American life every 34 seconds.
Fortunately, many of the factors that contribute to heart disease are controllable through lifestyle changes. Remember, the first line of defense against cardiovascular disease is self-awareness and education.
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