Diseases that affect the heart are the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The most common form of heart disease is artherosclerotic coronary artery disease, which claims the lives of more than 400,000 Americans per year.

Causes

Artherosclerotic coronary artery disease occurs when fat called plaque builds up in the vessels or tubes that carry blood to your heart, causing them to harden. Smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and radiation to your chest contribute to the disease, the Mayo Clinic says.

Symptoms

One of the most common symptoms of artherosclerotic coronary artery disease is chest pain, pressure or tightness associated with physical activity or emotional stress. Shortness of breath or fatigue with activity are also signs, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Risks

Patients with artherosclerotic coronary artery disease may suffer heart attacks, a condition where your heart becomes deprived of blood, causing damage to your muscles, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine. In some cases, heart attacks and coronary artery disease result in sudden death.

Treatment

Treatments for artherosclerotic coronary artery disease include medications to increase blood flow to your heart and mitigate the risk factors for the disease, such as lowering cholesterol or blood pressure levels. Doctors may also perform surgery to remove blockages or create new paths for blood to flow through.

Self-Care

Exercising regularly, losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight, eating a diet low in saturated fat and sodium and quitting smoking help treat and prevent artherosclerotic coronary artery disease, suggests the Mayo Clinic.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Coronary Artery Disease

U.S. National Library of Medicine: Coronary Heart Disease

CDC: Heart Disease Facts