Coronary heart disease

Definition

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a condition in which proper circulation of blood and oxygen are not provided to the heart and surrounding tissue. This result is due to a narrowing of the small blood vessels, which normally supply the heart with blood and oxygen. Coronary heart disease, a type of cardiovascular disease, is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.

Causes

The typical cause of coronary heart disease is a condition known as atherosclerosis, which takes place with plaque and fatty build up on the artery walls, narrowing the vessels.

Risks

Certain conditions are considered to put an individual at greater risk for coronary heart disease. The following are some risk factors:

Age (particularly 40+)
Diabetes
Genetics (heredity)
High blood pressure
High bad cholesterol (LDL)
Increased levels of C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, or homocysteine
Lack of sufficient physical activity
Low good cholesterol (HDL)
Menopause
Obesity
Smoking

Symptoms

Some more frequent symptoms of coronary heart disease include:

Angina (chest pain)
Heart attack
Shortness of breath

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of coronary heart disease is made by a doctor or medical professional, and may be accomplished by a variety of means:

Coronary angiography
Coronary arteriography
Coronary CT angiography
Echocardiogram
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Electron-beam CT (EBCT)
Exercise stress test
Magnetic resonance angiography
Nuclear scan

Treatment

Coronary heart disease treatment methods may include:

Angioplasty with stenting
Coronary artery bypass surgery
Medication
Minimally invasive heart surgery
Proper diet and exercise
Quitting smoking