What is Heart Disease

Plaque build-up in the lining of artery

Coronary artery disease (heart disease) is the build-up of plaque (fatty materials, cholesterol, and calcium) in the coronary arteries.

The coronary arteries are the blood vessels that supply blood to your heart. The building up of plaque is often called “atherosclerosis”. See what is happening to your heart when you have atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease) (opens in new window) »

This build-up can narrow the coronary arteries and prevent oxygen-rich blood from getting to the heart. The build-up of plaque is slow and can begin as early as childhood.

The build-up of plaque is caused by an injury to the lining of the coronary arteries. Things that can injure the lining include: 

• high blood cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). Find out how high cholesterol levels affect your health »
• diabetes. Find out how diabetes affects your health »
• obesity. Find out how obesity affects your health »
• smoking. Find out how smoking affects your health »
• high blood pressure. Find out how high blood pressure affects your health »
• lack of physical activity. Find out how physical inactivity affects your health »
• stress. Find out how stress affects your health »
• family history.

Resources

• Heart Disease (Heart and Stroke Foundation) (opens in new window)
  Choose from a variety of topics including: what is heart disease, heart disease conditions, women and heart disease, prevention of risk factors, tests, treatment, etc.
• Heart and circulatory system – How they work (video, Mayo Clinic) (opens in new window)