Coronary artery disease is a disease of the blood vessels in the heart. In this disease, plaque builds up and narrows, restricting blood flow, damaging tissues and interfering with the ability of the heart to function to its full capacity. The plaque build-up is not limited to the blood vessels in the heart. Other organs are also affected by atherosclerosis.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Since coronary artery disease does not happen in isolation, other areas of the body will also be affected. Peripheral vascular disease can narrow the blood vessels in the leg, causing pain with walking from decreased blood flow to the legs according to "Principles of Internal Medicine" by Anthony S Fauci. Peripheral vascular disease can affect other parts of the body such as the reproductive organs, causing impotence, for example.
Kidney Disease
The kidneys have a rich network of blood vessels and require relatively a lot of blood to function properly. Vascular disease such as that associated with coronary artery disease can damage the kidneys. Over time this can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Strokes and TIAs
Narrowed, hardened arteries can also cause problems with the blood supply to the brain. Temporary obstruction of the blood vessels can cause short-lived stroke-like symptoms, such as numbness and paralysis in parts of the body or trouble speaking or understanding speech. If the blood vessels are completely blocked, this will result in a stroke and cause permanent neurological damage, according to "Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology."
Intestinal Angina
It is also possible for the blood supply to the intestines to be partially blocked. If the demand for blood to the intestines increases over the ability of the vessels to provide it, the result can be abdominal pain. The pain typically occurs after meals. If an artery is completely blocked, part of the intestine may die and require emergency surgical intervention.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine;" Anthony S Fauci; 17th Ed 2008
- "Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology;" Allan H. Ropper and Martin A. Samuels; 9th Ed 2009
