What cardiovascular disease is caused by plaque build-up in the arteries that reduces blood supply?

Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the build-up of plaque—composed of fat, cholesterol, and other substances—in the arteries. This build-up narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to various parts of the body. As a progressive disease, atherosclerosis can lead to serious cardiovascular problems, as it limits the supply of oxygen and nutrients that can reach vital organs and tissues.

In contrast, myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs as a result of a complete blockage of blood flow to a part of the heart muscle, often due to a rupture of plaque linked to atherosclerosis. A congenital heart defect refers to structural problems with the heart that are present at birth, and a coronary artery spasm is a temporary tightening of the muscles within the coronary artery that can reduce or stop blood flow, but it is not caused by plaque build-up. Therefore, atherosclerosis is the correct answer, as it specifically describes the primary mechanism of plaque accumulation leading to reduced blood supply in the arteries.