What defines coronary heart disease?

A disease in which there is a narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries (blood vessels that carry blood and oxygen to the heart). Coronary heart disease is usually caused by atherosclerosis (a buildup of fatty material and plaque inside the coronary arteries).

What is the difference between CHD and CAD?

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of heart disease. It is also called coronary artery disease (CAD). CHD is plaque buildup in your arteries.

What is coronary heart disease CHD and what can it result in?

The coronary arteries supply blood, oxygen and nutrients to your heart. A buildup of plaque can narrow these arteries, decreasing blood flow to your heart. Eventually, the reduced blood flow may cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or other coronary artery disease signs and symptoms.

What causes coronary heart disease CHD )?

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is usually caused by a build-up of fatty deposits (atheroma) on the walls of the arteries around the heart (coronary arteries). The build-up of atheroma makes the arteries narrower, restricting the flow of blood to the heart muscle. This process is called atherosclerosis.

What happens if coronary artery disease is left untreated?

If left untreated, CAD can lead to other heart conditions, some of which are life-threatening: Cardiogenic shock: This life-threatening emergency can develop after severe injury to heart muscle function. This type of injury includes a heart attack or a dangerous arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm).

What is the prognosis for someone with coronary artery disease?

Adjusted to an average age of 50, the survival at 15 years without any further heart problems in those with a diagnosed heart attack is about 44 percent. The death rate for all patients who are hospitalised for definite or probable heart attack is about 10% in women and 9% in men.

Can you live long with coronary heart disease?

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is treatable, but there is no cure. This means that once diagnosed with CAD, you have to learn to live with it for the rest of your life. By lowering your risk factors and losing your fears, you can live a full life despite CAD.