Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease refers to the failure of coronary circulation; a common form of disease affecting the heart and an important cause of premature death.

Coronary heart disease takes two principle forms.

Angina Pectoris and Myocardial infarction or Heart attack.

According to medical dictionary- Angina pectoris is a disease of the heart marked by sharp pain in the chest.

Characteristics of the Disease;

The symptoms of angina pectoris are periodic chest pains. Usually located behind the steps sternum and frequently radiating into the left shoulder and arm. The major came of these severe attacks of pain is an insufficient supply of oxygen is the heart due to plugging of the coronary arteries by deposit of fatly material.

Angina is generally precipitated physical or emotional exertion and is commonly relieved by rest or medication.

Myocardial infarction is a much more serious disorder and is the leading cause of death in the united state today. Like angina pectoris, myocardial infraction is caused by an insufficient supply of oxygen to the heart. The oxygen insufficiency is more extreme than in angina pectoris. Result from-

1. Coronary artery disease.
2. A general curtailment of the hearts blood supply through atherosclerosis, Or from coronary occlusion.
3. A sudden abstraction of a large coronary artery by deposits or a blood clot.
In both instances parts of the heart muscle die.

The American heart association lists seven factors related to increased risk for CHD.
0. Age
1. Sex (Males are at a greater risk)
2. Cigarette smoking
3. Elevated blood pressure.
4. Elevated serum cholesterol.
5. An increase in the size of the left ventricle of the heart as reverted by electrocardiogram.
6. Diabetes

The risks for heart disease generally increase with the number and severity of these factors.