Coronary atherosclerotic disease, also known as coronary artery disease (CAD), is a serious medical condition where the blood vessels in your heart are infiltrated with fatty deposits called plaque. According to the Mayo Clinic, plaque can cause your coronary arteries to narrow and this results in less blood flow to the heart.
Symptoms
According to Medline Plus, you can have CAD and be asymptomatic. But when symptoms do exist, you can suffer from angina (chest pain), trouble breathing and fatigue.
Cause
The Mayo Clinic states that smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and radiation contribute to damaging your coronary arteries. When your arteries are damaged, they are susceptible to fatty plaque build-up.
Important Fact
Coronary atherosclerotic disease is the leading cause of death in men and women in the United States, according to Medline Plus.
Treatment
Treatment for CAD includes changing your lifestyle (stop smoking and exercising) and taking medications such as aspirin to thin your blood and cholesterol-modifying drugs such as statins to reduce plaque build-up in your coronary arteries.
Complications
Medline Plus states that complications of CAD include heart attack, unstable angina (chest pain), heart failure and sudden death.
