Coronary artery disease, or CAD, is a build-up of fat and cholesterol in the arteries that supply blood to your heart. These deposits, which are called plaques, grow slowly over decades and can sometimes become hardened with fibrous tissue and calcium. As the plaques grow, in a disease process called atherosclerosis, portions of the artery become clogged and narrowed. If an artery is severely obstructed, it reduces blood flow to the heart and can cause chest pain or even a heart attack.

But it's not just large plaques that spell trouble. Even moderate-sized plaques can be dangerous, if they become inflamed. Plaques that are inflamed are often soft, filled with liquid fat and covered with a fragile cap. These types of plaques can rupture and suddenly reduce blood flow to the heart, causing painful and frightening symptoms. When an inflamed plaque ruptures, the top of the plaque partially obstructs blood flow, while the liquid fat in the plaque causes blood to clot at the site of injury. A blood clot that completely blocks the artery can result in a heart attack,but smaller clots can seriously impair blood flow and cause chest pain (angina), as the heart is deprived of the oxygen-rich blood it needs.

Many people with coronary artery disease also have plaque build-up in other arteries of the body. For example, disease in the arteries that supply blood to the brain can cause a stroke. Similarly, narrowed arteries in the legs (peripheral artery disease) can cause pain while walking, and obstructions in the arteries supplying the kidneys (renal artery disease) can cause kidney damage and high blood pressure.

If your doctor has told you that you have coronary artery disease, you know it's serious, but you should also realize that you're not alone. Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease. In fact, nearly 18 million Americans have coronary artery disease. It's true that heart disease is still the most common cause of death among both men and women, claiming the lives of more than a half million Americans each year. But it's also true that, today, more and more people with coronary artery disease are living long and active lives, thanks to remarkable advances in diagnosis and treatment. There are many resources available to you for learning more about CAD, and an entire team of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare specialists who can help you to make healthy changes in your life.

What causes coronary artery disease?

Symptoms of coronary artery disease

Diagnosis of coronary artery disease

Treatment options for coronary artery disease

Lifestyle changes for patients with coronary artery disease