As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can explain that the main cause of ischemic heart disease is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This narrowing is often due to the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques, which are deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, and other materials in the arterial wall. When these plaques rupture or grow large enough, they can significantly reduce blood flow to the heart, leading to ischemia. Ischemia means that the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood, which can cause chest pain (angina) and, if severe and prolonged, can lead to a heart attack. read more >>

Ischemic heart disease is also known as coronary artery disease or "hardening of the arteries." Cholesterol plaque can build up in the arteries of the heart and cause "ischemia," which means the heart is not getting enough blood flow and oxygen.read more >>