﻿ Disease, coronary artery definition - Heart Disease and Other
Cardiovascular Conditions on MedicineNet.com  Definition of
Disease, coronary artery  Disease, coronary artery: A major
cause of illness and death, coronary artery disease (CAD) begins
when hard cholesterol substances (plaques) are deposited within
a coronary artery.   Rupture of the plaques in the coronary
arteries can cause a tiny clot to form which can obstruct the
flow of blood to the heart muscle producing symptoms and signs
of CAD that may include:    1. Chest pain (angina pectoris) from
inadequate blood flow to the heart;   2. Heart attack (acute
myocardial infarction), from the sudden total blockage of a
coronary artery; or   3. Sudden death, due to a fatal
disturbance of the heart rhythm.  Last Editorial Review:
9/20/2012  Search MedTerms:  Back to MedTerms online medical
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