Coronary heart disease is a general term that describes the buildup of plaque within the heart’s arteries that can lead to heart attacks and ischemic strokes. But what about coronary artery disease? Is there a difference?
The simple answer is often “no.” Medical professionals often use the terms interchangeably. However, coronary heart disease (CHD) is actually a result of coronary artery disease (CAD).
CAD begins when plaque grows within the walls of the coronary arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart muscle and preventing it from receiving enough oxygen. This is also called ischemia. This can be chronic, causing the coronary arteries to gradually narrow over time, reducing blood supply to some of the muscles. Or it may be acute, resulting from the sudden rupture of a plaque and the formation of a blood clot. For most people, plaque buildup begins in childhood and worsens as they get older.
Displays a diagram of the coronary arteries.
Traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease are high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, family history, diabetes, smoking, and obesity. The risk increases for men over the age of 45. The risk increases for women over the age of 55.
Research shows that children and adolescents are increasingly at risk for CAD. Therefore, taking preventative measures early in life may have greater benefits throughout life. It is hoped that a healthy lifestyle can slow the progression of CAD and reverse it before it causes further health problems.
Living a healthy lifestyle, combined with proper nutrition, weight management, and sufficient physical activity, plays a major role in avoiding CAD.
