Iowa CHAMPS: Cardiac Rehabilitation Guide: Exercise
Coronary Artery Disease
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
First Published: Unknown
Last Revised: October 2004
The heart can work when it is nourished and has sufficient oxygen. However, there is a very common disease claiming more lives than any other in our country that prevents nutrients and oxygen from reaching the heart muscle and structures. That disease is known as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). In CAD, the coronary arteries narrow and may eventually close. The process often responsible for this is atherosclerosis, a build up of fatty deposits in the walls of the arteries. Over time, this makes the arterial walls hard and thick, reducing the amount of blood that can pass through them (figure 3). When the heart muscle doesn't get enough blood, it is deprived of oxygen and nutrients. If this situation continues, the heart muscle will be damaged. The amount of damage depends on the location of and the degree of blockage. Angina pectoris and myocardial infarction are two consequences of CAD.
Figure 3. Graphic illustration of a longitudinal section of a coronary artery
illustrating plaque build-up and narrowing of the lumen.
American Heart Association Information
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