Heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women in the United States. The most common form of heart disease is coronary artery disease.
Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that carry blood and oxygen to the heart muscle become clogged, partially blocked or narrowed by the buildup of fatty deposits (cholesterol and plaque) on the artery walls. This can lead to chest pain (angina), which is a warning sign for a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery is totally blocked. Over time, coronary artery disease can also weaken the heart muscle and contribute to heart failure and arrhythmias.
Treatment for coronary artery disease will vary for different patients. If lifestyle changes and other alternatives are not enough, your doctor may recommend that you have coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery.