Coronary Artery Disease

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE The narrowing and blockage of the arteries by plaque, which consists of cholesterol, calcium, clotting proteins, and other substances, is called atherosclerosis. When this process occurs in the arteries leading to the heart, the result is coronary heart disease. If the blood supply to the heart muscle is severely reduced or stopped, and the heart doesn't receive the oxygen it needs, a 'heart attack' occurs. The muscle cells suffer irreversible damage and die. The pain of a heart attack is actually the pain of dying heart muscle tissue. The process of atherosclerosis is now known to begin as early as in childhood. However, even late in adulthood, lifestyle changes can reduce the onset or severity of coronary artery disease.

Home Page