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| CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES Coronary artery disease Coronary artery disease is atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. Sometimes is called as CAD. Atherosclerosis occurs when the arteries become clogged and narrowed, restricting blood flow to the heart. Without adequate blood, the heart becomes starved of oxygen and vital nutrients it needs to work properly. When the blood flow is slowed the heart doesn't get enough oxygen and nutrients. This can cause chest pain called angina. When one or more of the coronary arteries are completely blocked, the result is a heart attack (injury to the heart muscle). What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease? The most common symptom is angina or "angina pectoris." Angina is often referred to as chest pain. It is also described as a discomfort, heaviness, pressure, aching, burning, numbness, fullness, squeezing or painful feeling. It can be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn. Angina is usually felt in the chest, but may also be felt in the left shoulder, arms, neck, back or jaw. Other
symptoms that can occur with coronary artery disease include:
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