Final answer:
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is caused by the build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries which supply blood to the heart muscle, leading to reduced blood flow and potentially resulting in chest pain, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Overview
Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as coronary heart disease (CHD), is a condition characterized by impaired blood flow in the coronary arteries of the heart. The primary cause of CAD is atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of plaque within the arteries. This plaque accumulation leads to narrowing and can eventually block the arteries, affecting the heart's ability to receive sufficient oxygen-rich blood.
Anatomy Affected by CAD
The human heart is divided into four chambers: the right atrium and ventricle, and the left atrium and ventricle. Blood flows through these chambers in a coordinated fashion, fueled by oxygen which is picked up during pulmonary circulation. The coronary arteries are responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle itself. In CAD, these arteries become narrowed due to plaque build-up, thereby compromising the heart's oxygen supply.
Impact of CAD on Heart Function
As a result of reduced blood flow from CAD, the heart muscle can become deprived of oxygen, leading to chest pain or angina, and in severe cases, a myocardial infarction, commonly called a heart attack. The heart, made up of a specialized type of muscle called cardiac muscle, relies on this oxygen to perform its function as a pump, circulating blood throughout the body. When the supply is reduced or cut off, it endangers the heart's ability to maintain effective systemic and pulmonary circulation.