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What role does atherosclerosis play in coronary heart disease?

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A man in athletic clothing jogs along a paved path beside a black metal fence, with trees and another person in the background. — exercise Jogging.

Atherosclerosis is the underlying process of coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease. It involves the accumulation of cholesterol-rich plaques within the coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.12

This condition impacts heart health in several critical ways:

Reduced Blood Flow: As plaques enlarge, they narrow the arterial lumen, restricting blood flow to the heart. This can lead to angina pectoris, or chest pain, particularly during physical exertion when the heart requires more oxygen.13
Acute Blockage: A heart attack often occurs when a plaque ruptures, triggering the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) that can completely occlude the artery, causing the death of heart muscle tissue.132

While atherosclerosis is a chronic disease, regular aerobic exercise is a vital tool for prevention. Exercise helps manage key risk factors, such as improving lipoprotein profiles, lowering blood pressure, and assisting in weight management.4