Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a serious condition that can be fatal, particularly if it leads to a complete blockage of blood flow in the coronary arteries. When plaque buildup in the arteries restricts or blocks blood flow, it can cause a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or a fatal rhythm disturbance (sudden cardiac arrest). Coronary heart disease is indeed a leading cause of death and disability, and it is responsible for a significant number of fatalities in the United States. read more >>

If plaque completely blocks blood flow, it may cause a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or a fatal rhythm disturbance (sudden cardiac arrest). A major cause of death and disability, coronary heart disease claims more lives in the United States than the next 7 leading causes of death combined.read more >>