Overview
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a condition in which the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked, usually due to atherosclerosis.
Symptoms
Chest pain or angina Shortness of breath Fatigue with exertion Heart attack in severe cases
Causes
Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries) High blood pressure and high cholesterol Smoking and diabetes Family history and age
Diagnosis
Electrocardiogram (ECG) Stress tests Coronary angiography Blood tests for cholesterol and cardiac enzymes
Treatment
Lifestyle changes: diet, exercise, quitting smoking Medications: statins, beta-blockers, antiplatelets Procedures: angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
Complications
Heart attack Heart failure Arrhythmias
Prevention
Healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining ideal weight Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption