What is it meant when people say somebody has had a coronary?

A "coronary" refers to the coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. When someone is said to have had a coronary, it typically refers to a coronary event or condition affecting these arteries, most commonly a coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD encompasses various conditions that can affect the coronary arteries, such as:

Coronary artery disease (CAD): This is the most common type of CHD and occurs when plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries, causing them to narrow or become blocked. This can lead to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Heart attack (myocardial infarction): A heart attack occurs when there is a sudden and severe reduction or complete blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, usually due to the rupture of a plaque in a coronary artery. This can cause damage or death to heart tissue.

Unstable angina: This is a condition in which the symptoms of angina (chest pain) become more frequent, severe, or prolonged, indicating that the coronary arteries may be significantly narrowed or blocked.

Coronary thrombosis: This refers to the formation of a blood clot inside a coronary artery, which can block blood flow to the heart muscle and lead to a heart attack.

Vasospastic angina: This is a condition in which the coronary arteries temporarily narrow due to spasms, causing chest pain.

When people say someone has had a coronary, they are usually referring to a heart-related event or condition involving the coronary arteries, particularly those that can cause a heart attack.