Coronary heart disease (also known as ischemic heart disease) is a condition that affects the supply of blood to the heart. If you have coronary heart disease, it means the blood vessels carrying blood to your heart (your arteries) are narrow or blocked, due to build-up of cholesterol on the walls of your arteries, resulting in reduced supply of oxygen and nutrients to your heart.

CHD can increase your risk of having a heart attack. Your heart pumps oxygenated blood to all your other organs. If there is a problem with your heart, other organs such as your brain, liver, and kidneys can be affected. 

CHD can also increase your risk of stroke and heart failure.

Symptoms

• The main symptom is chest pain, known as angina.
• You can also feel breathless or have heart palpitations.
• In certain cases you may feel clammy, fatigued and deal with weakness and nausea.

Causes

Your chances of developing coronary heart disease are greater if you:

• Smoke
• Have high blood pressure
• Have high blood cholesterol
• Have diabetes
• Are physically inactive and overweight.

Depending on the severity of the disease in your arteries you may be advised to manage it with medications. The medications are used to reduce blood pressure by widening your arteries. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Other treatments include angioplasty to put a stent in your arteries or sometimes having bypass surgery to replace the artery.

Myth 1: Statins are bad for you.

Not true!

Taking statins can be important if you have coronary heart disease. Statins help lower the level of cholesterol in the blood and can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, like all medication, statins can have side effects. Some potential side effects include diarrhoea and headaches, although some people experience no side effects at all. If you are thinking of trying statins but are concerned about side effects, you can discuss this with your GP to weigh up the benefits and drawbacks of taking statins.

Myth 2: Heart disease only affects men.

Untrue.

Women can have coronary heart disease too, but research shows that women may not always receive the same level of care as men for heart disease and its complications.

Women having a heart attack, which is a serious complication of coronary heart disease, are less likely to receive life-saving treatments. This may be because women are less likely to recognise the signs of a heart attack, and subsequently delay seeking help.

Key signs of a heart attack, a very serious complication of coronary heart disease, can include chest pain, shortness of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, and coughing.

Control your blood sugar and cholesterol

Eating a balanced diet and taking medication can help control your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Stop smoking

Smoking can damage your heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of cholesterol build-up in the arteries.

Keep physically active

Physical activity increases heart health and can help manage blood pressure.

Maintain a healthy weight

Maintaining a healthy weight can decrease your risk of developing high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which can lead to coronary heart disease. Focus on eating a balanced diet and keeping physically active to help maintain a healthy weight.

British Heart Foundation

Help Line: 0808 802 1234 and 0300 330 3311

https://www.bhf.org.uk/

A national charity providing information and advice for the public and for health professionals. A really useful site containing lifestyle advice, the latest research and information about tests and treatments. Also has information on local support groups.

NHS Conditions Coronary Heart Disease

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-heart-disease/

NHS information page on Coronary Heart Disease that covers important information from causes to diagnosis and treatment. 

NHS Live Well

www.nhs.uk/live-well/

NHS Live Well pages have information on topics such as eating well, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.