Your heart muscle receives oxygenated blood through the coronary arteries and their branches. As long as these arteries remain unblocked, blood can easily flow through them to the muscle. Over time, however, the passages can become obstructed. This usually happens when plaque accumulates along the inside walls, a condition called arteriosclerosis. The opening through which blood normally flows becomes narrowed, which prevents it from reaching your heart. Depending on how narrow the arteries have become, a heart attack (myocardial infarction) may be imminent.
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