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Coronary Heart Disease

What is Coronary Heart Disease?

  • Coronary heart disease is a condition in which the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.
  • Caused mainly by buildup of fat, cholesterol, and plaque in artery walls.
  • Reduced blood flow decreases oxygen supply to the heart.
  • Severe blockage can lead to a heart attack.
  • CHD develops slowly over many years and is one of the most common heart diseases.

Symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease

  • Chest pain or pressure (angina)
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Pain spreading to arm, neck, jaw, or back
  • Symptoms may worsen during physical activity or stress.

Causes for Coronary Heart Disease

  • Atherosclerosis - plaque buildup in arteries

Complications of Coronary Heart Disease

  • Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
  • Heart failure
  • Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
  • Sudden cardiac death

Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease

  • Medications
    • Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins)
    • Blood pressure medicines
    • Antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin)
    • Nitroglycerin for chest pain
  • Procedures/Surgery
    • Angioplasty and stent placement
    • Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
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