Is there a difference between ischemic heart disease and coronary artery disease?

Yes.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) occurs when the blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. This can be caused by several conditions, including:

- Coronary artery disease (CAD): This is the most common cause of IHD. CAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by a build-up of plaque (atherosclerosis).

- Coronary artery spasm: This is a sudden, temporary narrowing of the coronary arteries. It can cause chest pain (angina) or a heart attack.

- Microvascular coronary dysfunction: This is a condition in which the small blood vessels in the heart muscle become damaged. It can cause chest pain or shortness of breath.

- Other conditions: Other conditions that can cause IHD include:

- Heart valve disease

- High blood pressure

- Diabetes

- High cholesterol

- Smoking

- Obesity

- Severe anaemia

- Thyroid disease

- Scleroderma and other connective tissue diseases

- Cocaine and amphetamine abuse

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a specific type of IHD. It occurs when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked by a build-up of plaque. CAD is the most common cause of heart attacks. Symptoms of CAD can include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and fatigue.