Which condition is also known as coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease is most accurately known as ischemic heart disease. This condition arises when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle, become narrowed or blocked due to a buildup of cholesterol and other substances, resulting in reduced blood flow to the heart.

The terminology "ischemic heart disease" emphasizes the relationship between insufficient blood supply (ischemia) to the heart, often leading to symptoms such as chest pain (angina) or more serious outcomes like heart attacks. This term captures the essence of the condition, highlighting both the problem with the arteries (blockage) and its consequences on heart function.

Other choices refer to different cardiovascular conditions. Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle that affect its size, shape, and function but does not specifically involve the coronary arteries. Ischemic stroke pertains to a blockage in the blood vessels supplying the brain, rather than the heart. Arrhythmia involves irregular heartbeats and can occur for a variety of reasons, but is not synonymous with the disease process affecting the coronary arteries. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why ischemic heart disease is the correct term for coronary artery disease.