Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Cardiovascular Disorders > Heart Disease > Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary heart disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease (CAD) and atherosclerotic heart disease, is the end result of the accumulation of atheromatous plaques within the walls of the arteries that supply the myocardium (the muscle of the heart). While the symptoms and signs of coronary heart disease are noted in the advanced state of disease, most individuals with coronary heart disease show no evidence of disease for decades as the disease progresses before the first onset of symptoms, often a "sudden" heart attack, finally arise. After decades of progression, some of these atheromatous plaques may rupture and (along with the activation of the blood clotting system) start limiting blood flow to the heart muscle. The disease is the most common cause of sudden death.
Overview
Atherosclerotic heart disease can be thought of as a wide spectrum of disease of the heart. At one end of the spectrum is the asymptomatic individual with atheromatous streaks within the walls of the coronary arteries (the arteries of the heart). These streaks represent the early stage of atherosclerotic heart disease and do not obstruct the flow of blood. A coronary angiogram performed during this stage of disease may not show any evidence of coronary artery disease, because the lumen of the coronary artery has not decreased in caliber.
Over a period of many years, these streaks increase in thickness. While the atheromatous plaques initially expand into the walls of the arteries, eventually they will expand into the lumen of the vessel, affecting the flow of blood through the arteries. While it was originally believed that the growth of atheromatous plaques was a slow, gradual process, some recent evidence suggests that the gradual buildup of plaque may be complemented by small plaque ruptures which cause the sudden increase in the plaque burden due to accumulation of thrombus material.
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American Heart Association: Coronary Artery Disease Profiler - This decision support tool will help understanding of treatment options and possible side-effects.
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Heart Site - In depth look at coronary artery disease with colored graphics.
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Mayo Clinic: Coronary Artery Disease - A description of the most common type of heart disease, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment.
Meta Description: [ Coronary artery disease — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, treatment of this serious heart condition. ]
Medtronic.com - Cardiovascular disease resources for sufferers of circulatory conditions and patients seeking information about coronary artery disease and treatment options.
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National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute - In-depth look at coronary heart disease, who is at risk, controllable and uncontrollable risks, causes, symptoms, tests, treatment, lifestyle changes and surgery.
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Nutrition and Exercise: Healthy Balance for a Healthy Heart - A look at coronary artery disease and cholesterol and the role diet plays in this disease.
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Probability of Coronary Artery Disease - Diagram of the heart and the arteries, discussion about calcification and calculation of the likelihood of CAD.
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Rochester Cardiopulmonary Group - An explanation of what coronary artery disease is.
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WebMD: Coronary Artery Disease - A look at the symptoms, diagnostic tests, prevention of CAD followed by a discussion on heart attacks.
| Insidermedicine in 60 - January 23, 2008 | |
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