Coronary Artery Disease Coronary arteries bring blood and oxygen to nourish the heart. The heart pumps unoxygenated blood to the lungs, where it receives oxygen and nutrients. The heart then pumps the oxygen-rich blood to the whole body. Because the heart is a muscle, it needs a steady source of blood to be nourished. Coronary artery disease is caused by atheroslerosis, commonly known as hardening of the arteries.
Atherosclerosis is a buildup of fatty deposits within the walls of the arteries.
These deposits are called plaque. As the arteries surrounding the heart continue to close, the blood supply needed by the heart muscle to function is reduced or blocked completely. Inc. All rights reserved.