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Coronary artery disease
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Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, causing over 600,000 fatalities per year. While heart disease encompasses several different ailments, its most common manifestation is coronary artery disease which accounts for the vast majority of deaths. 
Coronary artery disease is a chronic process that begins during youth and slowly progresses throughout life. Over time, fatty acid deposits form along the walls of the coronary arteries, which are the vessels that supply blood to the heart. This process is called atherosclerosis. Eventually, these fatty deposits may block the blood flow to the heart. If fatty deposits in the coronary arteries become thick enough to restrict the blood flow to the heart, angina, or chest pain, can result. Complete blockage of an artery may cause a heart attack, which can lead to disability or death.
Many sophisticated tools and procedures are available to diagnose coronary artery disease. The most accurate method is angiography or cardiac catheterization. In this procedure, small thin plastic tubes called catheters are placed in the artery of a leg or arm, and positioned to the opening of the coronary arteries via X-ray guidance. Small amounts of dye-like substances are injected into the catheters, and x-ray pictures are taken. The dye allows the arteries to show up on the x-rays pictures, and doctors can assess the degree of blockage.
Mild blockage of the coronary arteries may often be treated by medication and lifestyle changes, including healthy eating and regular exercise. If the blood vessels are very narrow due to the atherosclerosis, surgery may be required to open up the blocked arteries. The most common surgical procedure is coronary angioplasty, in which the doctor inserts a small thin metal tube called a stent into the artery to widen it.
Although coronary artery disease continues to affect millions of Americans, improved diagnosis and treatment methods have reduced the societal burden of this condition. However, much more work will be required to effectively control this major health problem.
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