Coronary artery disease, which is also called ischemic heart disease or coronary heart disease, is a condition caused by narrowed coronary arteries that limit the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. The term “ischemic” describes a decreased supply of oxygen to an organ usually resulting from decreased blood flow.

Like any muscle, the heart needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients. These vital nutrients are carried to the heart by the blood in the coronary arteries. When the coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged and can’t supply enough blood to the heart, the result is coronary artery disease.

When the blood supply is cut off abruptly, the result can be a heart attack. The part of the heart that is not receiving oxygen begins to die, and some of the heart muscle may become permanently damaged.