Coronary Artery Disease (IMAGE) Georgia Institute of Technology Caption Atherosclerosis is the foremost cause of coronary artery disease, the number one killer of people in the United States. Atherosclerosis is also a prominent contributor to stroke and kidney failure. Credit National Institutes of Health Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.