What condition is characterized by the narrowing of arteries supplying blood to the heart due to fatty material buildup?

The condition that is characterized by the narrowing of arteries supplying blood to the heart due to fatty material buildup is atherosclerosis. This process involves the accumulation of lipids, cholesterol, and other substances in the arterial walls, leading to the formation of plaques. These plaques harden and restrict blood flow, which can ultimately result in coronary heart disease, a broader term that encompasses the consequences of atherosclerosis affecting the coronary arteries.

While coronary heart disease refers to the outcome of this narrowing and is often a result of atherosclerosis, it is not the process itself. Hyperlipidemia is a condition of elevated lipids in the bloodstream, which may contribute to atherosclerosis but does not specifically describe the narrowing of arteries. Arrhythmia refers to irregular heartbeats and is not related to the physical narrowing of arteries. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why atherosclerosis is the most precise answer in this context.