Coronary atherosclerosis is a disease of the arteries in the heart. Atherosclerosis, also called coronary artery disease, occurs when the normal lining of the arteries deteriorates, the walls of the arteries thicken and deposits of fat and plaque block the flow of blood through the arteries. Atherosclerosis can be treated with changes in diet and lifestyle, as well as with medications. In the past, the most common treatment was coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Today's less invasive treatment for atherosclerosis is coronary angioplasty.
Atherosclerosis is the build-up of cholesterol and inflammatory cells in the walls of arteries.
In addition to invasive approaches, medications and lifestyle changes can slow or prevent the progression of atherosclerosis. The goals of medical therapy are to improve symptoms that a patient might have and to lower a patient's future risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke. A diet that is low in fat and cholesterol will help to lower blood cholesterol level and slow the build-up of atherosclerosis, or plaque. Regular exercise with weight loss will also help to lower blood cholesterol in addition to lowering blood pressure and lowering blood sugars for patients with diabetes. One of the most important lifestyle changes a patient can make is quitting smoking.