Coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as coronary artery disease, is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, and over time it can harden and narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. CHD can lead to a number of serious complications, including angina (chest pain or discomfort), heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), and sudden cardiac death. Risk factors for CHD include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and a family history of heart disease. Treatment for CHD may include lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and managing other health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Medications such as statins, aspirin, and beta-blockers may also be prescribed to lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, and reduce the workload on the heart. In some cases, surgical procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow to the heart.
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