What is coronary artery disease?

• A. Narrowing of arteries caused by cholesterol, increasing risk for myocardial infarction
• B. Inflammation of arteries due to autoimmune processes
• C. Aneurysm of arteries
• D. Blockage only in veins

Answer: (A)

Coronary artery disease is the result of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries, where cholesterol-rich plaques build up on the inner lining and narrow the vessel lumen. This reduced blood flow to the heart can cause chest discomfort with activity (angina) and, if a plaque ruptures and a clot forms, can completely block a coronary artery leading to a heart attack. The option describing narrowing of arteries caused by cholesterol, increasing the risk for myocardial infarction best captures this process. The other choices describe conditions that are not CAD: inflammation of arteries from autoimmune processes refers to vasculitis, an aneurysm is a dilation of a vessel, and a blockage in veins does not involve the coronary arteries.