Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a disease in which a waxy substance called plaque (plak) builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries offer oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle tissue.
When plaque builds up in the arteries, the problem is called atherosclerosis (ATH-er-o-skler-O-sis). The buildup of plaque takes place over many years.
Figure A shows the location of the heart in your body. Figure B exhibits a normal coronary artery with normal blood flow. The inset image exhibits a cross-section of a normal coronary artery. Number C exhibits a coronary artery narrowed by plaque. The buildup of plaque limits the movement of oxygen-rich blood through the artery. The inset image shows a cross-section of the plaque-narrowed artery.
Over time, plaque can harden or rupture (split open). Hardened plaque narrows the coronary arteries and reduces the movement of oxygen-rich blood to the heart.
If the plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form on its surface. A large blood clot can or even completely block blood flow through a coronary artery mostly. Over time, ruptured plaque furthermore hardens and narrows the coronary arteries.
Overview If the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle tissue is reduced or blocked, angina (an-JI-nuh or AN-juh-nuh) or a heart attack can occur.
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Angina is chest discomfort or discomfort. It may feel like stress or squeezing in your chest. The pain also can take place in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Angina pain could even feel like indigestion.
A heart attack takes place if the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a section of heart muscle tissue is cut off. If blood is quickly n’t restored, the section of heart muscle tissue begins to die. Without quick treatment, a heart attack can lead to serious health problems or death.
Over time, CHD can weaken the heart muscle and lead to center failure and arrhythmias (ah-RITH-me-ahs). Heart failure is a condition in which your center can't pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. Arrhythmias are problems with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat.
Outlook CHD is the most common type of heart disease. In the United States, CHD is the #1 cause of death for both men and women. Lifestyle changes, medicines, and medical procedures can help prevent or treat CHD. These treatments might reduce the risk of related health problems.
When plaque builds up in the arteries, the problem is called atherosclerosis (ATH-er-o-skler-O-sis). The buildup of plaque takes place over many years.
Figure A shows the location of the heart in your body. Figure B exhibits a normal coronary artery with normal blood flow. The inset image exhibits a cross-section of a normal coronary artery. Number C exhibits a coronary artery narrowed by plaque. The buildup of plaque limits the movement of oxygen-rich blood through the artery. The inset image shows a cross-section of the plaque-narrowed artery.
Over time, plaque can harden or rupture (split open). Hardened plaque narrows the coronary arteries and reduces the movement of oxygen-rich blood to the heart.
If the plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form on its surface. A large blood clot can or even completely block blood flow through a coronary artery mostly. Over time, ruptured plaque furthermore hardens and narrows the coronary arteries.
Overview If the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle tissue is reduced or blocked, angina (an-JI-nuh or AN-juh-nuh) or a heart attack can occur.
If you are a cardiologist, you need a tool to examine patients
Please click here to get this stuff
Angina is chest discomfort or discomfort. It may feel like stress or squeezing in your chest. The pain also can take place in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Angina pain could even feel like indigestion.
A heart attack takes place if the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a section of heart muscle tissue is cut off. If blood is quickly n’t restored, the section of heart muscle tissue begins to die. Without quick treatment, a heart attack can lead to serious health problems or death.
Over time, CHD can weaken the heart muscle and lead to center failure and arrhythmias (ah-RITH-me-ahs). Heart failure is a condition in which your center can't pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. Arrhythmias are problems with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat.
Outlook CHD is the most common type of heart disease. In the United States, CHD is the #1 cause of death for both men and women. Lifestyle changes, medicines, and medical procedures can help prevent or treat CHD. These treatments might reduce the risk of related health problems.