Coronary Artery Disease: Definition, Clinical Significance, and Overview
Coronary Artery Disease is a cardiovascular disease in which the coronary arteries cannot deliver adequate blood flow to the heart muscle. It most often reflects atherosclerosis (plaque buildup) within epicardial coronary arteries. It is a central diagnosis in cardiology because it causes myocardial ischemia, angina, and myocardial infarction. It is commonly discussed in emergency care, outpatient risk assessment, cardiac imaging, and interventional and surgical planning.