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Forms of Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease is characterized by a narrowing of the small blood vessels leading to the heart. It is also known as coronary artery disease, angina, heart attack, and unstable angina. It is the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States.

  1. Cause of Coronary Heart Disease

    • Heart disease is caused by atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries. Plaque builds up along the artery walls and makes it difficult for blood to pass through. This causes angina (chest pain) as well as heart attacks, when, the flow of blood has stopped completely.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of coronary heart disease include chest pain (angina), heaviness in the chest and neck, shortness of breath, fatigue, and shooting pain down the left arm. Women may also experience pain in the jaw, like a toothache, more often than men.

    Diagnosis

    • There are several diagnostic tests that a physician may use to diagnose coronary heart disease. These include an electrocardiogram, the exercise stress test, a coronary angiograph, an echocardiogram, and CT angiography. Any of these tests can help the doctor see how much artery blockage exists and where it is. This can help prevent the heart disease from progressing.

    Treatment

    • Medications for the treatment of coronary heart disease vary according to the patient but can include drugs for the treatment of high blood pressure or diabetes if these conditions are also present. Additionally, aspirin therapy can prevent clots from forming and keep the blood flowing freely in the system. Lifestyle changes include stopping smoking, lowering salt intake, eating a low fat diet, and getting regular exercise.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Lowering one's risk of developing heart disease is just as important as the treatment. By making lifestyle changes such as seeing a doctor regularly, getting plenty of exercise and controlling one's diet, risk levels can drop dramatically. Keeping blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol under control can decrease any risk of developing coronary heart disease or arterial diseases.

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