of death for both men and women. Lifestyle changes, medicines, and medical procedures can help prevent or treat CHD and may reduce the risk of related health problems.
Clinical trials currently are under way for Coronary Heart Disease. For more information about these studies, visit
A heart attack occurs if the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a section of heart muscle suddenly becomes blocked. If blood flow isnt restored quickly, the section of heart muscle begins to die. Without quick treatment, a heart attack can lead to serious problems and even death.
Figure A shows a normal artery with normal blood flow. Figure B shows an artery with plaque buildup.
Over time, CHD can weaken the heart muscle and lead toheart ilureandarrhythmias(ah-RITH-me-ahs). Heart ilure is a condition in which your heart cant pump enough blood to meet your bodys needs. Arrhythmias are problems with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat.
Coronary heart disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease, is a condition in which plaque (plak) builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle.
Over time, plaque hardens and narrows your coronary arteries. This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle.
Eventually, an area of plaque can rupture (break open). This causes a blood clot to form on the suce of the plaque. If the clot becomes large enough, it can mostly or completely block blood flow through a coronary artery.
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Angina is chest pain or discomfort. It may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest. The pain also may occur in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Angina pain may even feel like indigestion.
What Is Coronary Heart Disease?_ coronary artery heart disease,Plaque is made up of t, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. When plaque builds up in the arteries, the condition is calledatherosclerosis(ATH-er-o-skler-O-siscoronary artery heart disease). The buildup of plaque occurs over many years.
If the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle is reduced or blocked,angina(an-JI-nuh or AN-juh-nuh) or aheart attackmay occur.
