Coronary artery disease (CAD), which is also called coronary heart disease or ischemic heart disease, is a health problem that happens when the coronary arteries, which bring blood to the heart muscle, get stopped or narrowed. Getting oxygen and food to the heart muscle is the job of the coronary arteries.

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of coronary artery disease. This is when fatty deposits, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances build up on the inside walls of the coronary arteries. Plaque is the name for this buildup, and it can stop blood from getting to the heart muscle.