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Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is specifically characterized by the buildup of atherosclerotic deposits in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This buildup narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow and oxygen to the heart, leading to various cardiovascular issues such as angina, heart attacks, and other complications.

Understanding CAD's origin is crucial in the context of cardiovascular health, as it emphasizes the importance of managing risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension, and unhealthy lifestyle choices which contribute to atherosclerosis.

The other potential options focus on different cardiovascular conditions. The swelling of blood vessels to the brain pertains to conditions such as stroke or cerebrovascular disease, while irregular heart rates relate to arrhythmias. Issues with heart valves are separate from CAD and involve valvular heart disease. Recognizing these distinctions is vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.