Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary Heart Disease Causes
Coronary heart disease is said to begin with injury or damage to the coronary arteries' inner layer. This damage can be caused by different aspects, including smoking, high cholesterol, hypertension, chest radiation therapy, and certain diseases.
Coronary Heart Disease Definition
Coronary heart disease is a condition in which the arteries responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscle, harden and narrow. This is the result of a plaque on its inner walls. This plaque leads to less blood flow throughout the arteries, which in turn causes the heart muscle to not get the oxygen it requires. The condition is also known as ?Coronary Artery Disease'.
Coronary Heart Disease Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and diagnostic tests.
Coronary Heart Disease Symptoms and Signs
Initially, the limited blood flow might not show any symptoms. However, as fatty deposits keep on accumulating in the coronary arteries, the following symptoms may occur: chest pain, breath shortness, and heart attack.
Coronary Heart Disease Treatment
Changes in one's lifestyle can promote better arteries. For smokers, quitting is a very important thing to do. Eating healthy and regular exercise. Sometimes procedures and medications are needed for improving flow of blood. Medications include cholesterol medicines, beta-blockers, aspirin, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers. Procedures include laser revascularization, coronary artery bypass surgery, coronary brachytherapy, and angioplasty and stent placement.