Coronary artery disease (CAD) has a significant number of other names such as ischemic heart disease (IHD), atherosclerotic heart disease, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and coronary heart disease. Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that transport blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed by the buildup of plaques in the inner wall.  These plaques are buildup of cholesterol (atherosclerosis) and other substances. When the buildup grows, less blood can flow through the arteries and the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle may become insufficient. This can lead to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack.

Coronary artery may be present for years without causing symptoms. The first signs are occasionally chest pain (angina or angina pectoris), heart failure or a heart attack. Angina can be stable (chronic) or unstable and the pain may extend to the left arm or back.

Risk factors include:

·  High blood pressure

·  High blood cholesterol

·  Diabetes mellitus

·  Lifestyle (inappropriate diet or lack of movements)

·  Obesity

Diagnosis of the disease can be confirmed with:

· Physical exam

· Blood analysis, including cholesterol levels

· Electrocardiogram (first line study)

· Coronary angiogram

· Stress echocardiography

· Intravascular ultrasound

· Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

· CT scan

· Multifunction cardiogram (MCG)