Causes of Coronary Artery Disease

The Cause of the Corrosion and the Plaque in the Arteries

Starting at a young age deposits of fat begin to accumulate on the inner walls of the arteries. These waxy deposits are made up of a combination of fats, cholesterol, cell waste products, proteins, calcium and scar like tissues.

In its initial stages the elasticity of the arteries causes the expansion of the arteries allowing room for these deposits. Only later on does the buildup go inwards causing the gradual narrowing of the arteries, otherwise known as coronary artery disease.

It used to be thought that the gradual narrowing of the arteries is what causes a heart attack, now we know otherwise

A Blocked Coronary Artery with Fatty Deposits

This is a good description of Coronary Artery Disease, and what a diseased artery looks like

Many of these plaque deposits have only a narrow crust on the outer layer. The inner layer is soft, sticky waxy deposits.

At times, due to a process called oxidation, the plaque ruptures, or due to an inflammation, the outer layer bursts and ruptures, blocking the entire artery.

There are other ways the artery can get blocked, through calcification, blood clots, and spasms.

• Coronary Artery Disease
• The Coronary Arteries
• Ischemia caused by Coronary Artery Disease
• Symptoms of Angina
• Causes of coronary artery disease