Is a term that looks at the hardening of certain arteries

Also refers to the loss of elasticity of those arteries.

Caused by plaques that builds up in the vessels

Plaques can be cholesterol, calcium, or other elements

When this build up is in smaller vessels of the heart it can become very dangerous

Atherosclerosis is when the build-up occurs in other parts of the body

Build-up causes a narrowing of the arteries

Complications include:

   -    Hypertension
   -    Angina
   -    Myocardial Infarction

Symptoms:

   -    Often there are no symptoms until severe complication
   -    Fatigue
   -    Shortness of breath
   -    Change in heart rhythm  -  Arrhythmia
   -    Chest pressure
   -    Chest pain

Risk Factors

-      Age
-      Family history of heart disease
-      Smoking
-      Obesity
-      Stress
-      Diabetes
-      High blood pressure
-      High cholesterol
-      Inactivity

Coronary Angiography is important to help visualize the location and severity of the narrowing

Echo and EKG are helpful

Stress test to examine hearts performance during stress

Treatment

Angioplasty- flexible tube that has a balloon that is inflated to compact area
of plaque which changes the severity of narrowing

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft – Surgical option for placing vein from leg into heart

Coronary Stent – a stainless steel tube that holds artery open