Sometimes, the blood vessels associated with the heart become narrow and constricted due to a condition called coronary artery disease. Fortunately, a simple procedure known as coronary angioplasty (AN-gee-oh-plass-tee) may be used both to confirm and to treat this diagnosis.

Sometimes, a coronary artery becomes thicker and less elastic due to the build-up of fatty deposits or plaque (PLAK) along the vessel lining. These plaque deposits, or atheromas (ath-eh-ROW-mahz), contain a spongy substance made up of cholesterol and other cellular materials that eventually harden and thicken.

Sometimes, fatty deposits or plaque (PLAK) build up within the heart's major artery, causing the vessel to harden and constrict. This condition, known as coronary artery disease or CAD (C-A-D), may cause symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath.

Sometimes, fatty deposits or plaque (PLAK) build up within the heart's major artery and cause the vessel to harden and constrict. This condition, known as coronary artery disease or CAD (C-A-D), may cause symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath.

Generally, there are numerous prescription medications available to help treat the various kinds of heart disease. These medications may be prescribed in conjunction with lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a heart healthy diet, and quitting smoking.

The heart is equipped with a natural pacemaker that allows it to maintain a regular, continuous beat. This specialized group of cardiac cells, called the sinoatrial node (sye-no-AY-tree-uhl NODE), or SA (S-A) node, produces electrical signals approximately 60 to 100 times per minute and thereby stimulates the heart muscle to beat at specific intervals.