What Is Coronary Vascular Disease?

Coronary vascular disease refers to a hardening of the arteries in the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart. It is more typically called coronary artery disease and included under the more extensive category of cardiovascular disease.

Significance

• The World Health Organization estimates that cardiovascular disease (CVD), primarily heart attacks and stroke, claims 17 million lives across the globe annually.

Misconceptions

• "Heart disease" and "coronary artery disease" are sometimes used interchangeably when describing coronary vascular disease. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, heart disease includes separate issues such as genetic heart defects and rhythmic problems.

Identification

• Coronary vascular disease is caused by atherosclerosis, or plaque, a collection of fatty substances that cling to the interior of arteries leading to the heart, brain and extremities. This blockage often leads to heart attack, stroke and death.

Effects

• Oxygen-carrying blood, vital for healthy function of various areas of the body, is blocked. This is referred to as carotid arterial disease when blockage occurs in the neck; coronary arterial disease when it affects the heart; and peripheral arterial disease when arms, pelvis or legs are obstructed.

Risk Factors

• "CVD risk factors that can be prevented or treated include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, excess weight, physical inactivity, smoking, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, illegal drug use and stress," says The Cardiovascular Disease Foundation.