# Coronary Heart Disease Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a condition where the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque, known as [[atherosclerosis]]. This reduction in blood flow can cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and other symptoms. This can be caused by various factors including genetic predisposition, poor [[lifestyle]] habits, such as following a [[standard american diet]], and underlying medical conditions. **Key features of coronary heart disease:** - Narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis. - Reduced blood flow to the myocardium (heart muscle), potentially leading to ischemia and infarction. - May present acutely as [[myocardial infarction]] or chronically as stable angina. Severe blockages can lead to heart attacks, where part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies. CHD is a major cause of death and disability globally, often preventable through [[lifestyle]] changes and medical treatment. --- # Hashtags #cardiovascular_disease #heart_disease #atherosclerosis #cardiology #lipidology #low-density_lipoproteins #hyperblog