Coronary artery disease is the progressive narrowing of the
coronary arteries, usually due to a build up of fatty plaques
along the vessel walls. It's the most common cause of heart
disease in the United States. When the heart is deprived of
blood, it fails to receive sufficient oxygen. Because the heart
must be nourished with a constant flow of oxygen and nutrient-
rich blood, damage occurs when it no longer receives the supply
it needs. The first sign of coronary artery disease may be in
the form of chest pain, called angina (an-JIE-nuh). This appears
as a severe, crushing pain that may radiate from the chest to
the left arm, lower jaw, and shoulder blade. Shortness of breath
may also occur. Angina usually occurs after physical exertion,
as a result of emotional excitement, or exposure to cold. If a
coronary artery becomes completely blocked, a heart attack may
occur. Factors that lead to coronary artery disease include high
blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and a family history
of heart disease. F