|
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is characterized by the accumulation of fatty deposits along the innermost layer of the coronary arteries. The fatty deposits may develop in childhood and continue to thicken and enlarge throughout life. This thickening, called atherosclerosis, narrows the arteries and can decrease or block the flow of blood to the heart.
Over 12 million Americans suffer from coronary heart disease – the number one killer of both men and women in the US.
What are the risk factors for coronary heart disease?
Risk factors for CHD often include:
- High blood cholesterol
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Obesity
Controlling risk factors is the key to preventing illness and death from CHD.
What are the symptoms of coronary heart disease?
The symptoms of coronary heart disease will depend on the severity of the disease. Some persons with CHD have no symptoms, some have episodes of mild chest pain, and some have more severe chest pain.
If not enough oxygenated blood reaches the heart, a person will experience chest pain called angina pectoris, or simply 'angina'. When the blood supply is completely cut off, the result is a heart attack, and the heart muscle may be damaged. Some persons may have a heart attack and never present any symptoms.
When symptoms are present, each person may experience them differently. Symptoms of coronary heart disease may include:
-
Heaviness, tightness, pressure, and/or pain in the chest – behind the breastbone
-
Pain radiating in the arms, shoulders, jaw, neck, and/or back
-
Shortness of breath
How is coronary heart disease diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for coronary heart disease may include any, or a combination of, the following:
-
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – a test that records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and detects heart muscle damage.
-
Stress test (usually with ECG; also called treadmill or exercise ECG) – a test that is given while a patient walks on a treadmill to monitor the heart during exercise. Breathing and blood pressure rates are also monitored. A stress test may be used to detect coronary artery disease, and/or to determine safe levels of exercise following a heart attack or heart surgery.
-
Coronary arteriogram (or angiogram) – with this procedure, X-rays are taken after a contrast agent is injected into an artery – to locate the narrowing, occlusions, and other abnormalities of specific arteries.
-
Nuclear scanning – radioactive material is injected into a vein and then is observed using a camera as it is taken up by the heart muscle. This indicates the healthy and damaged areas of the heart.
Treatment for coronary heart disease:
Specific treatment will be determined by your physician(s) based on:
- Your age, overall health, and medical history
- Extent of the disease
- Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the disease
- Your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
Controlling risk factors (the most effective way to stop the progression of CHD)
- Changing to a low-fat diet
- Losing weight (if overweight)
- Establishing and maintaining an appropriate exercise program
- Quitting smoking
Medication
Surgery
-
Coronary angioplasty – with this procedure, a catheter is used to create a bigger opening in the vessel to increase blood flow. Although angioplasty is performed in other blood vessels, Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) refers to angioplasty in the coronary arteries to permit more blood flow into the heart. There are several types of PTCA procedures, including:
- balloon angioplasty
- atherectomy
- laser angioplasty
- coronary artery stent
|
