Coronary artery disease is a disease of the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. When these arteries become narrowed by cholesterol deposits, less blood is able to reach the heart muscle. This may cause pain (angina), or eventually lead to a heart attack. Angina is a warning sign for coronary artery disease and is often described as a “chest pressure” or “tightness of the chest.” Angina can vary in severity and duration, and may spread to the neck, jaw, shoulders or arms. It often follows physical activity, emotional stress or a heavy meal. Stress does not cause coronary artery disease; however it can lead to chest pain or a heart attack.

Approximately 20% of patients do not have the typical warning signs of chest pain or pressure. There are other signs such as EKG changes, changes in heart rhythm, or other evidence of heart damage.

No one really knows what causes coronary artery disease, as there are several risk factors which may promote its progress. Family history is a risk factor that you cannot control. You can control many other risk factors such as:

• Smoking
• A diet high in fat
• Lack of exercise
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity