What condition is characterized by the narrowing of arteries that limits blood supply to the heart?

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is characterized by the narrowing of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle itself. The narrowing occurs primarily due to the buildup of plaque—composed of fat, cholesterol, and other substances—within the arterial walls, a process known as atherosclerosis. This reduction in blood flow can lead to ischemia (insufficient blood supply) to the heart muscle, which may manifest as angina (chest pain) or even progress to a more severe condition like a myocardial infarction (heart attack) if the blood supply is severely compromised.

In contrast to CAD, other listed conditions involve different mechanisms or impacts on the heart. Myocardial Infarction refers specifically to an actual event of heart tissue damage due to lack of blood supply, while Heart Failure is a syndrome resulting from various cardiac issues that prevent the heart from pumping effectively. Aortic Stenosis involves the narrowing of the aortic valve opening, affecting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body but does not primarily pertain to the narrowing of coronary arteries. Thus, the defining characteristic of coronary artery disease as the narrowing of arteries limiting blood supply to the heart distinguishes it clearly from these other conditions.