What Are the Types of Coronary Artery Disease?

The three types of coronary artery disease are,

  • Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease - This type often occurs when a fatty substance called plaque builds up in the coronary arteries causing artery narrowing. This is the most common type of coronary artery disease.
  • Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease - There is no build-up of plaque in this condition. Instead, the narrowing of coronary arteries occurs due to other conditions such as coronary vasospasms, heart tissue compressing the coronary arteries (myocardial bridging) and damage in the endothelial lining (endothelial dysfunction)
  • Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (Scad) - Sudden tear in the coronary artery blocks blood flow to the heart. SCAD causes sudden symptoms presenting as a heart attack.