Final answer:
A general label for illnesses that cause narrowing of the coronary arteries is coronary artery disease (CAD), which is a result of atherosclerosis leading to reduced blood flow and potentially a heart attack.
Step-by-step explanation:
A general label for illnesses that cause a narrowing of the coronary arteries, the vessels that supply the heart with blood, is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD, also known as coronary heart disease (CHD), is characterized by the buildup of plaque—a composition of cholesterol, connective tissue, white blood cells, and smooth muscle cells—inside the coronary arteries. This buildup is known as atherosclerosis, which can lead to a reduction in blood flow, a condition termed ischemia, causing the cells to suffer from a lack of oxygen, or hypoxia. Symptoms can include chest pain, known as angina pectoris, while some individuals may remain asymptomatic.
Without treatment, CAD can result in serious complications such as myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as a heart attack. Coronary artery disease is a general label for illnesses that cause a narrowing of the coronary arteries, the vessels that supply the heart with blood. It is a result of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This plaque obstructs the flow of blood and decreases the flexibility of the vessels. If left untreated, it can lead to heart attacks or myocardial infarctions.