Abstract

The most common cardiovascular disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which is also known as coronary heart disease (CHD), ischemic heart disease (IHD), myocardial ischemia, or simply heart disease. It is caused by the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries of the heart. Types of CAD include stable angina, unstable angina, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death. Shortness of breath may also occur, and sometimes no symptoms are present. In many cases, the first sign is a heart attack. Other complications include heart failure or an abnormal heartbeat. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, lack of exercise, obesity, high blood cholesterol, poor diet, depression, and excessive alcohol consumption.