ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Coronary artery disease

Hi there! Today I’ll explain to you what coronary artery disease is.

Your heart is a muscle that pumps blood throughout your body, and needs blood to feed it just like your other muscles. The blood vessels that supply blood to your heart muscle are called coronary arteries.

Sometimes, fatty deposits called plaque can build up on the inner walls of these blood vessels. This buildup decreases the amount of blood that can flow through the arteries, and if left untreated, can cause a blockage.

When the blood flow to your heart muscle is restricted or blocked, this can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and even a heart attack.

But don't worry too much! There are things you can do to prevent coronary artery disease, such as eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and taking medications if needed. Your doctor can also help you manage any risk factors you may have for developing coronary artery disease.

Always remember to take care of your heart by leading a healthy lifestyle!