What type of heart disease is primarily caused by atherosclerosis affecting the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle?

Coronary heart disease (CHD) specifically refers to the condition that arises when atherosclerosis affects the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle itself. Atherosclerosis involves the buildup of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances on the artery walls, leading to narrowed arteries and reduced blood flow.

When the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked, it can result in a decreased supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, potentially leading to chest pain (angina), heart attacks, or other serious complications. This direct relationship between the coronary arteries and the heart emphasizes the nature of CHD as specifically linked to atherosclerosis in these vessels.

The other options relate to different aspects of heart and vascular diseases. For instance, congestive heart failure primarily refers to the heart's inability to pump effectively, which can occur as a result of various heart diseases but is not solely defined by atherosclerosis. Ischemic heart disease is a broader term that encompasses conditions caused by reduced blood flow to the heart but does not specify the underlying cause as CHD does. Finally, peripheral artery disease pertains to atherosclerosis affecting arteries outside the heart and brain, impacting blood flow to the limbs rather than the heart itself. Thus, when considering