 Coronary heart disease CHD is the most common cause of death in the United States. A common term for CHD is blocked arteries. People with CHD or blocked arteries often have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. They are also more likely to suffer a heart attack. Many heart attacks could be prevented by taking medicines that control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. However, only 50-60 of patients take their medicines as directed. Patients who dont take their medicines regularly are considered noncompliant. 