Which medical condition affects the arteries that supply blood to the heart, often leading to chest pain?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) specifically refers to the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits (plaque) within the artery walls. This condition reduces blood flow to the heart muscle itself, which can lead to chest pain, commonly known as angina. As the condition progresses, it can significantly affect the heart's ability to receive adequate oxygen-rich blood, often resulting in increased chest pain and potentially leading to more severe outcomes such as a heart attack.

In contrast, a heart attack occurs as a result of coronary artery disease, but it is a separate event that happens when a blood vessel supplying blood to the heart becomes completely blocked, causing heart muscle damage. Hypertension, while it increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease and other conditions, does not directly cause chest pain by affecting artery supply. Heart valve disease pertains to issues with the heart valves themselves and typically leads to different symptoms, rather than being directly associated with the blood supply to the heart muscle. Thus, focusing on the impact on the coronary arteries reveals why coronary artery disease is the answer that best connects to the question regarding chest pain due to compromised blood supply.