Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a condition where the supply of oxygen to the heart muscle is restricted as a result of narrowing within the blood vessels. It is also known as coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic heart disease (IHD).
In the early stages, coronary heart disease is silent meaning that it does not cause any symptoms. As the condition progresses, a person may only experience symptoms upon exertion when the heart muscle needs more oxygen and therefore a greater blood flow. This is due to the tissue injury (ischemia) as a result of low oxygen availability (hypoxia). The condition can develop to the point where the blood supply to a portion of the heart muscle is totally blocked and the heart muscle dies (infarct). This is known as a myocardial infarction or commonly as a heart attack.
What causes coronary heart disease?
The most common cause of coronary heart disease is atherosclerosis where atheromatous plaques build up in the wall of the coronary artery thereby occluding the lumen.
Atherosclerosis occurs when the lining of the coronary artery is damaged and lipids, particularly LDL-cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”), macrophages and blood cells accumulate within the artery wall. The plaque may remain stable for long periods of time and restrict blood flow to the heart but not compromise it entirely. During this time, no symptoms may be present or chest pain may occur upon exertion and relieve at rest. This is known as angina.
Eventually an atheromatous plaque may rupture and cause blood cells to stick to it. A thrombus (blood clot) then develops at the site of the endothelial damage and blocks the already narrowed artery. The flow of oxygenated blood may be completely cut off and part of the heart muscle may die (infarct).
Coronary heart disease can arise in any person but is more likely to occur in patients with one or more of the following risk factors.
- Elderly
- Cigarette smoking
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Hypercholesterolemia (high blood cholesterol)
- Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Chronic alcoholism
Article reviewed by Dr. Greg. Last updated on December 18, 2010
Suggested Reading
- Coronary Artery | Blood Supply to the Heart
- Clogged Artery (Carotid, Coronary Arteries) Symptoms, Diagnosis
- Atherosclerosis Symptoms & Early Signs (Neck, Heart, Leg Artery)
- What is Atherosclerosis? Narrow Artery, Hard Arteries Disease
- Artery Blockage (‘Clearing, Cleaning, Unblock’) Types of Surgery
- Arterial Occlusion Treatment (Diet, Exercise, Medication)
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