Coronary Heart Disease
Heart disease is a term used broadly to refer to several different conditions of the heart. The most common form of heart disease is coronary heart disease (CHD), also referred to as coronary artery disease (CAD).
CHD is caused by the coronary arteries becoming hardened, narrowed, or even completely blocked due to plaque buildup. This is referred to as atherosclerosis and decreases the blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle. Plaque is an accumulation of fatty substances such as cholesterol. The plaque can not only block the arteries by building up but may become dislodged and cause a blood clot, which may also block an artery.
When the heart is not getting enough blood and oxygen it may lead to chest pain or discomfort, known as angina. Angina is the most common symptom of CHD. Over time this may cause weakening of the heart muscle, preventing the heart from pumping blood effectively. This can lead to arrhythmias or a heart attack.
Some people do not learn they have CHD until after they’ve had a heart attack. However, your medical provider can determine your risk by assessing several factors, including: blood pressure, cholesterol level, diabetes or blood glucose levels, and family history of heart disease.
If you have one or more of the risk factors above, your doctor may run one or more of the following tests: EKG or electrocardiogram to measure the electrical functioning of your heart; an echocardiogram, which creates an ultrasound type picture of the heart; a stress test to measure the heart’s response to an increased workload and oxygen need; a cardiac catheterization or heart cath in which a flexible tube is inserted into the groin or arm into the coronary arteries to allow the doctor to see if there is any blockage and measure the blood flow in the chambers of the heart; and a coronary angiography, which is the injection of dye into the coronary arteries and the flow is checked by x-ray. The coronary angiography is often done in conjunction with the heart catheterization.
For individuals diagnosed with CHD treatment is to address the risk factors. This may include lifestyle changes such as diet. It may also include medications to treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, irregular heart beats, blood flow, etc. However, even without the direction of a medical professional, people can take steps to decrease their risk.
See your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of these risk factors or chest pain. Do not wait to be diagnosed after the damage is done.