22/10/2025
Coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as coronary artery disease, occurs when the coronary arteries (the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle) become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis (a buildup of plaque) ❤️.
# Causes and Risk Factors
- *High cholesterol*: Elevated levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup 💡.
- *High blood pressure*: Increased pressure on the blood vessels can damage the arteries 🚧.
- *Smoking*: Smoking damages the inner lining of blood vessels, increasing the risk 🚭.
- *Diabetes*: People with diabetes are more likely to develop CHD due to insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels 💉.
- *Family history*: A family history of heart disease increases the risk 👪.
# Symptoms
- *Chest pain (angina)*: A squeezing or pressure sensation in the chest, often triggered by physical activity or stress 💔.
- *Shortness of breath*: Difficulty breathing or feeling winded, even at rest 👅.
- *Fatigue*: Feeling weak or tired, even after rest 😴.
# Treatment and Prevention
- *Lifestyle changes*: Healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and stress management 🥗.
- *Medications*: To manage cholesterol, blood pressure, and prevent blood clots 💊.
- *Procedures*: Angioplasty, stenting, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may be necessary in severe cases 🏥.
