Coronary artery disease is the narrowing of the coronary arteries, the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This occurs when there is buildup of plaque in the walls of the arteries. As the plaque increases, the coronary arteries becomes narrow and less blood is able to flow through and reach the heart. This reduction of blood flow coupled with the lack of adequate oxygen to the heart can result in angina or a heart attack.

It is estimated that approximately 1.3 million people in the United States alone have coronary artery disease. As the most common form of heart disease, this condition affects both men and women of all races, specifically those who have a family history of coronary artery disease, those with a history of high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and/or lack of physical activity.

You can begin to manage your coronary artery disease by understanding more about what causes the condition, the possible side effects or problems that can arise in those diagnosed with the disease, and how to protect yourself by making healthy lifestyle decisions for the future.

This section provides a list of possible signs, symptoms and conditions that may indicate you are at risk for developing coronary artery disease.

Here you can find tips on working with your doctor to maintain your health, including information regarding a cardiac stress test and various medications.

One of the main reasons it is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle once diagnosed with coronary artery disease is to avoid conditions that can result from this disease, including angina, heart attack and heart failure. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of these conditions and what you can do to prevent them from occurring.

Allowing stress levels to spiral out of control can have an adverse effect on your heart. This section provides some tips on how to manage stress and how to avoid letting it consume your life.

In this section, find guidelines for shopping, preparing and eating meals that are heart–healthy and that contribute to an overall healthy lifestyle.

Click here for more information on how to handle the emotional lows of discovering, understanding, and coming to terms with coronary artery disease.

This section provides links to Web sites for more information regarding coronary artery disease, heart disease in general, treatment options and lifestyle changes.

In this section, you will learn how the heart works and what effect coronary artery disease has on its function.

This link provides information about the available treatment options, including medications and coronary heart stents and heart pacemakers, two devices commonly used to repair weak or damaged portions of the heart. Likewise, this section provides information on heart surgeries, specifically heart bypass.

While blood pressure is maintained by the heart and cholesterol is present in everyone’s blood, if either go unmonitored or uncontrolled, the result can be devastating. This link provides more information about hypertension or high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Fitness plays a substantial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regardless of whether or not you have a chronic illness. However, when you suffer from coronary artery disease, it is essential that you condition your heart through exercise.

Sadly, no one is immune to heart disease, including children. Learn more about which diseases affect children, the possible risk factors, the signs and symptoms of heart disease in children and the treatment options available.

Learning that one has a chronic disease is a traumatic, life–altering ordeal. As a friend or family member of someone recently diagnosed with coronary artery disease, you play a large role in helping your loved one establish a healthy lifestyle. Read more to find out how help your loved one learn to self–manage.