Female doctor using stethoscope while examining patient.

What is coronary heart disease?

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What is coronary heart disease?

Your heart is the most important muscle in your body that needs a continuous blood supply

Coronary arteries are the blood vessels that supply your heart muscle with blood rich in oxygen.

Also known as coronary artery disease, coronary heart disease (CHD) is a type of heart disease where oxygen-rich blood cannot reach the heart due to the build up of plaque.

Plaque is made of fat, cholesterol and other materials that can get “sticky” and cause blockages over time. This is called atherosclerosis and reduces the oxygen-rich blood being pumped to your heart. 

Coronary heart disease causes angina and heart attacks, where the heart does not receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs.

Graphic of heart (internal) showing build up of plaque

What is angina?

Angina is a temporary pain or discomfort you feel when part of your heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. It may feel like pressure, squeezing, tightness or burning in your chest, shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or back. You may also experience pain throughout the body, feeling faint, difficulty breathing, or nausea. Angina is not the same as a heart attack. 

Graphic of heart showing inside artery

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack is usually caused by fatty plaque blocking a coronary artery or breaking away (rupturing) and forming a clot. This can limit the blood and oxygen supply and cause damage to the heart muscle around the blocked artery. Damage continues to occur the longer a blockage is left untreated. Early treatment can open the blocked artery and get blood flow back to the heart muscle. A heart attack can also be called a myocardial infarction (MI). 

Looking ahead

While coronary heart disease is a life-long condition, you can live a long, healthy and fulfilling life. The MyHeart MyLife program will provide you with tools and resources to help you to make heart-healthy choices and to live well with coronary heart disease.

Over the next few months, you will learn more about how to take control of your health. It is important to book regular appointments with your doctor to manage your specific heart-health needs.

Last updated09 May 2024

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