Coronary artery disease is usually caused by atherosclerosis. Cholesterol and other fatty substances accumulate on the inner wall of the arteries. This attracts fibrous tissue, blood components, and calcium, which harden into flow-obstructing plaques. If a blood clot suddenly forms on one of these plaques it can convert a partial obstruction to a total occlusion. When the blockage is temporary or partial, angina (chest pain or pressure) may occur. When the blockage completely and suddenly cuts off the flow of blood, the result is myocardial infarction. Congenital defects and spasms of a coronary artery may also block blood flow. There is evidence that infection from organisms such as chlamydia bacteria may be responsible for some cases of coronary artery disease. A number of major contributing factors increase …show more content…
Aspirin helps prevent blood clots from forming on plaques, reducing the likelihood of myocardial infarction. Cholesterol-lowering medications are also indicated in most cases. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and bypass surgery are invasive procedures to improve blood flow in the coronary arteries. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is a non-surgical procedure. A catheter tipped with a balloon is threaded through an artery in the groin into the blocked coronary artery. The balloon is inflated, compressing the plaque to enlarge the blood vessel and open the blocked artery. The balloon is deflated, and the catheter is removed. Coronary angioplasty is performed by an invasive cardiologist in a hospital and generally requires a stay of one or two days. Coronary angioplasty is successful about 90% of the time, but one third of the time the artery restenosis within six months. The procedure can be repeated. It is less invasive and less expensive than coronary artery bypass