Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease — also called coronary vascular, arteriosclerotic and ischemic heart disease — remains the leading cause of death in the United States. The disease is caused by arteriosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries," which interferes with the normal flow of blood to the heart. It affects the arteries that surround and supply blood to the heart, causing more than a half million deaths a year. When the heart doesn't receive enough blood, symptoms may include pain or pressure in the chest, arm or jaw. This is a warning sign that your heart is having difficulty. If left untreated, it can result in a heart attack.

At UCSF Medical Center, we treat coronary artery disease (CAD) and the underlying causes. Treatments may include lifestyle changes, medication, procedures requiring only tiny incisions and more sophisticated procedures such as coronary bypass surgery and heart transplantation.

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Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated August 29, 2007