Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a narrowing from the small blood vessels who supply blood and oxygen for the heart. CHD is also referred to as coronary artery disease. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the us for men and women of all ages. Coronary heart disease is attributable to the buildup of plaque from the arteries to your cardiovascular system. This may also be called hardening from the arteries.