Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common types of heart disease. In the United States, CAD is the leading cause of death in both men and women. The disease occurs when a waxy substance called plaque builds up inside the coronary artery. The coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscles. Both of my grandparents suffer from coronary heart disease and I want to learn more about the disease to better understand how it affects them both mentally and physically. Although coronary heart disease has no specific who, what or when it is said to have been discovered in the 13th century. It is assumed that Leonardo Di Vinci examined the coronary arteries. William Harvey in the 16th century was also credited with discovering how blood moves throughout the body. It wasn't until the 19th century that doctors and researchers began to turn their attention to the coronary arteries. Toward the end of this century, researchers realized that blockage of the arteries in a dog caused its ventricle to "quiver" and kill it in a short amount of time. In 1878, Ludwig Hektoen theorized that some diseases were the result of coronary heart disease, such as myocardial infarction. Until the mid-1900s, researchers weren't sure what coronary heart disease actually was. A large amount of data has been discovered over the last 60 years. Recently, in 2011, scientists discovered an Egyptian princess who lived more than 3,500 years ago who died of coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease (CAD) is the number one cause of death in America, affecting more than 13 million people. CAD occurs when a fatty substance called plaque builds up in the coronary arteries. These arteries disperse rich oxygen... middle of paper... problems and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Because heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women, there are many support groups and organizations that fund research to find cures. Some patients have to give up work or physical activities because their heart can't handle them. Those suffering from coronary heart disease generally have to give up alcohol, which can reduce people's social lives. These outcomes related to coronary heart disease usually take a toll on people both mentally and physically, but with the help of family and friends, most sufferers manage to overcome it. Works Cited http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics /cad/causes.htmlhttp://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cad/treatment. htmlhttp://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cad /prevention.htmlhttp://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cad/livingwith.html