Health Library Explorer

Coronary Artery Disease Risk Assessment

Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the arteries that bring blood to the heart muscle (coronary arteries) become hardened and narrowed. The arteries harden and narrow because of a buildup of plaque on the inner walls. Plaque is made up of cholesterol and fatty deposits. This is called atherosclerosis. Narrowing of the coronary arteries can limit blood flow to the heart. This means less oxygen gets to the heart. Less oxygen can lead to angina, heart failure, irregular heart rhythm, and heart attack.

CAD is the most common type of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death in the U.S. in both men and women. Other names for CAD are coronary heart disease (CHD), heart disease, and ischemic heart disease.

First, select your gender. Then answer the questions to help learn your risk for CAD.


Online Medical Reviewer: Cunningham, Louise, RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Kang, Steven, MD
Date Last Reviewed: 2/1/2019