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Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) occurs when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to the build-up of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis), reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. This can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, heart failure, and other serious cardiovascular complications.

Angina

Partial blockage of the coronary arteries may cause angina — a feeling of discomfort, heaviness, or tightness in the chest that can spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach. Symptoms are often triggered by physical activity or stress and usually improve with rest or prescribed medication.

Heart Attack

A complete blockage of a coronary artery can cause a heart attack (myocardial infarction), which requires immediate emergency treatment. Common symptoms may include:

• Severe chest pain or pressure

• Pain spreading to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach

• Shortness of breath

• Sweating

• Nausea

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Some heart attacks may occur without obvious symptoms, particularly in older adults and people with diabetes.

Heart Failure

When the heart becomes weakened and unable to pump blood effectively, heart failure may develop. This can lead to fluid build-up in the lungs, breathing difficulties, fatigue, and reduced physical activity tolerance.

Causes & Risk Factors

CHD is strongly linked to atherosclerosis and several lifestyle and medical risk factors, including:

• Smoking

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Obesity 

• Physical inactivity

• Family history of heart disease

• Elevated lipoprotein (a) levels

Diagnosis & Cardiovascular Assessment

Evaluation for CHD may include:

• Blood pressure measurement

• Cholesterol and blood tests

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Exercise stress testing

• Echocardiography

• Coronary angiography

• CT, MRI, or other cardiac imaging studies

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may include:

• Medications to control cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood clot formation

• Lifestyle modifications

• Coronary angioplasty and stent placement

• Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)

• Heart transplantation in advanced heart failure cases

Prevention & Heart Health Management

Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential in reducing the risk of CHD and cardiovascular complications. Preventive strategies include:

• Following a balanced diet

• Regular physical activity

• Smoking cessation

• Weight management

• Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes

• Regular cardiovascular check-ups and early medical intervention when needed