Coronary Heart Disease

Overview

Coronary heart disease results from atherosclerotic narrowing of the coronary arteries that reduces blood supply to the heart muscle. It can cause chest pain (angina) and, when severe, a heart attack (myocardial infarction), and is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases.

Symptoms

• Chest pain
• Chest tightness
• Palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Sweating

Treatment

Lifestyle improvement (quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure, lipids and glucose, regular exercise) with medications such as antiplatelet drugs, statins, beta-blockers and nitrates. Severe disease may require percutaneous coronary intervention or bypass surgery.

Dietary advice

Low-salt, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Limit saturated fat and fried food; quit smoking and limit alcohol.