Heart • Learn
What Is Coronary Heart Disease?
Coronary heart disease happens when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, often from plaque buildup. This can reduce oxygen-rich blood flow and increase the risk of chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart attack.
It is also called coronary artery disease, CAD, CHD, or ischemic heart disease — all related to atherosclerosis in the heart's arteries.
Plain English
Coronary heart disease (CAD) happens when the arteries that feed the heart muscle become narrowed, stiff, or blocked due to plaque buildup. Plaque is made of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and inflammatory cells. As it builds up, less oxygen-rich blood can reach the heart.
Why it matters
Reduced blood flow can cause angina, decreased exercise tolerance, abnormal heart tests, or heart damage. If plaque ruptures and a clot blocks an artery, a heart attack can occur.
Key numbers and tests
Important markers include LDL, HDL, triglycerides, total and non-HDL cholesterol, ApoB, Lipoprotein(a), blood pressure, A1C and glucose, hs-CRP, coronary calcium score, stress tests, and CT or coronary angiograms.
How it can progress
Stages range from early artery irritation and risk factors, to plaque buildup, reduced blood flow with symptoms, plaque rupture and heart attack, and long-term complications such as heart failure or rhythm problems.
How diet and exercise help
Reducing saturated and trans fats, eating more fiber, choosing heart-healthy fats, limiting ultra-processed foods, reducing sodium and added sugars, and consistent safe activity can support better cholesterol, blood pressure, and overall heart risk.
Metrics to monitor
Home metrics include blood pressure, heart rate, chest symptoms, shortness of breath, activity tolerance, weight, glucose, medication adherence, smoking status, and diet. Report-based metrics include LDL, HDL, triglycerides, total and non-HDL cholesterol, ApoB, Lp(a), A1C, blood pressure trends, kidney function, hs-CRP, calcium score, stress test results, EKG, echocardiogram, ejection fraction, and angiogram findings.
Common questions
What is coronary heart disease?
Coronary heart disease happens when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked, often because of plaque buildup.
Is coronary heart disease the same as coronary artery disease?
Yes. Coronary heart disease and coronary artery disease are often used to describe the same condition. It may also be called ischemic heart disease.
What is angina?
Angina is chest pain or discomfort that happens when the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. It may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or heaviness.
Can coronary heart disease be reversed?
Plaque and risk can sometimes be stabilized or improved with intensive lifestyle changes, medications, and medical care, but ongoing monitoring and medical guidance remain important.