Coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as coronary artery disease, is a condition where the major blood vessels that supply your heart with oxygen and nutrients become narrowed or blocked. This is usually caused by the build-up of fatty deposits, known as plaques, on the walls of the coronary arteries. As the plaques grow, they reduce the space for blood to flow, making it harder for the heart to receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly.
Key Symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease
- Chest Pain (Angina): One of the most common symptoms of CHD is angina, which feels like pressure, squeezing, or tightness in your chest. It often occurs during physical activity or stress, when the heart requires more oxygen.
- Shortness of Breath: Reduced blood flow means your heart may struggle to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to your body, leading to difficulty breathing, especially during exertion.
- Heart Attack: In severe cases, CHD can lead to a complete blockage of the coronary artery, causing a heart attack. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Atherosclerosis: The primary cause is atherosclerosis, the process by which plaques build up in the arteries.
- Lifestyle Factors: Unhealthy habits like smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of CHD.
- Medical Conditions: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity are significant contributors.
- Family History: A family history of heart disease can also predispose someone to developing CHD.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention strategies focus on lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and managing stress. In terms of treatment, depending on the severity, options include medications to manage symptoms and reduce risks, lifestyle changes, and medical procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery to restore blood flow.
By recognizing the symptoms early and taking action to modify risk factors, it is possible to manage or even prevent the progression of coronary heart disease.
