Coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as coronary artery disease, is one of the most common heart conditions worldwide. It develops when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle, become narrowed or blocked. This blockage reduces blood flow, potentially leading to chest pain, heart attacks, or other serious complications.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies of coronary heart disease is essential for maintaining heart health.

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What Is Coronary Heart Disease?

Coronary heart disease occurs due to the buildup of plaque—a combination of fat, cholesterol, and other substances—on the walls of the coronary arteries. This process, called atherosclerosis, narrows the arteries and restricts oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart muscle. Over time, plaque can rupture and cause blood clots, which may block the artery completely.

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Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to the development of CHD. While some are uncontrollable, many relate to lifestyle choices:

• High cholesterol levels: Excess LDL (“bad”) cholesterol promotes plaque formation.
• High blood pressure: Puts extra strain on artery walls, accelerating damage.
• Smoking: Damages the lining of arteries and lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
• Obesity: Excess weight raises cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes risk.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of exercise contributes to poor cardiovascular health.
• Family history: Genetic predisposition plays a role.
• Age and gender: Risk increases with age; men are generally at higher risk earlier in life.

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Symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease

CHD symptoms can vary widely. Some people have no symptoms until a serious event occurs. Common signs include:

• Angina (chest pain): Often described as pressure, squeezing, or heaviness, especially during exertion.
• Shortness of breath: Due to reduced oxygen delivery to the heart.
• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired during activities.
• Heart attack: Sudden severe chest pain, sweating, nausea, and shortness of breath, which require immediate emergency care.

Since symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other issues, regular medical checkups are important for those at risk.

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Diagnosing Coronary Heart Disease

Doctors use various tests to diagnose CHD:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures electrical activity of the heart to detect abnormalities.
• Stress test: Evaluates heart function during physical exertion.
• Echocardiogram: Ultrasound imaging of the heart to assess pumping function.
• Coronary angiography: Involves injecting dye to visualize artery blockages via X-rays.
• Blood tests: To check cholesterol, blood sugar, and markers of heart damage.

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Treatment and Management

Managing coronary heart disease involves lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes medical procedures.

Lifestyle Changes

• Healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
• Regular exercise: At least 30 minutes most days to improve heart function.
• Quit smoking: Essential to reduce further arterial damage.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Helps control cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes.

Medications

Doctors may prescribe drugs such as:

• Statins to lower cholesterol
• Blood pressure medications
• Aspirin to prevent blood clots
• Beta-blockers to reduce heart workload

Procedures

In severe cases, procedures like angioplasty (using a balloon to open blocked arteries) or coronary artery bypass surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow.

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Preventing Coronary Heart Disease

Prevention is key to reducing the burden of CHD. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle early can prevent or delay disease onset:

• Eat a balanced diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
• Exercise regularly to maintain cardiovascular fitness.
• Avoid tobacco in all forms.
• Manage stress through mindfulness or relaxation techniques.
• Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar within recommended ranges.
• Regularly visit your healthcare provider for screenings.