Coronary Heart Disease or Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary heart disease, or coronary artery disease, is a very common heart condition where blood flow through the coronary arteries (arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle) is limited due to the narrowing or hardening of these arteries, mainly caused by atherosclerosis. This limitation in blood flow prevents enough oxygen and nutrients from reaching the heart's tissues and muscles, which can seriously damage heart function.

This condition typically develops slowly over many years without showing symptoms until the narrowing worsens and a blockage occurs. For this reason, it is recommended to undergo regular check-ups to assess overall health.

Symptoms

The most common and severe symptoms of coronary heart disease include:

• Angina: Chest pain or pressure that may radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. It is usually triggered by partial obstruction of one or more coronary arteries during intense physical activity or strong emotions and disappears when the triggering situation ends.
• Fatigue and shortness of breath (dyspnea).
• Dizziness and lightheadedness.
• Weakness.
• Myocardial infarction: Total obstruction of a coronary artery causes a heart attack.

Causes

The most common causes of coronary heart disease are:

• Atherosclerosis: A progressive buildup of atheromas, cholesterol deposits, and other fatty substances in the arterial walls, leading to the gradual narrowing of the arteries leading to the heart.
• Injuries to the arterial walls caused by vasospasm or chronic inflammation.
• Diabetes.
• Hypertension.

Risk Factors

There are several factors that increase the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease:

• Age: It is more common after 65 years of age.
• Gender: It is more common in men and in women after menopause.
• Family history of early heart disease.
• Smoking.
• Diet high in saturated fats.
• Lack of physical activity.
• Diabetes.
• Chronic kidney disease.
• Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
• High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that increases the risk of coronary artery conditions.
• High cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Hypertension.
• Obesity.
• Alcohol consumption.
• High-stress levels that can cause artery contraction.
• Sleep disorders.

Complications

The most dangerous complication of coronary heart disease is the formation of a clot that obstructs blood flow to the heart. As a result, the risk of a myocardial infarction or heart failure increases.

Prevention

To prevent peripheral heart disease, its risk factors should be addressed by leading a healthy lifestyle:

• Quit smoking.
• Follow a healthy diet low in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats, and rich in vegetables and whole grains.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels.

Which Doctor Treats Coronary Heart Disease?

Coronary heart disease is evaluated and treated in cardiovascular risk units, cardiology, and cardiovascular surgery departments.