Narrowed arteries can cause chest pain because they can block blood flow to your heart muscle and the rest of your body.įor many people, the first clue that they have CAD is a heart attack. Angina can happen when too much plaque builds up inside arteries, causing them to narrow. What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?Īngina, or chest pain and discomfort, is the most common symptom of CAD. Plaque buildup causes the inside of the arteries to narrow over time, which can partially or totally block the blood flow. Plaque is made up of deposits of cholesterol and other substances in the artery.

What causes coronary artery disease?ĬAD is caused by plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart (called coronary arteries) and other parts of the body. You and your health care team may be able to help reduce your risk for CAD. It is sometimes called coronary heart disease or ischemic heart disease.įor some people, the first sign of CAD is a heart attack. Download Image What is coronary artery disease?Ĭoronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease in the United States.

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