The most dangerous cardiovascular disease? Facts about coronary artery disease (CAD)

What is coronary artery disease (CAD) ?

Coronary artery disease, also called CAD, or coronary heart disease, is a serious condition that develops when the coronary arteries become too narrow or blockages grow in the walls. The coronary arteries are the blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to your heart.

Health arteries are smooth and elastic. However, when plaque builds up on their inner walls, they become stiff and narrow. The narrow arteries slow down the blood flow to the heart muscle, so the heart wouldn't get enough oxygen. When the worst scenario happens that the plaque breaks off, it can cause a heart attack and sudden death.

According to the data released by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CAD accounts for over 655,000 deaths each year in the United States, making it the most common type cardiovascular disease.