Coronary Heart Disease

The most common form of heart disease is coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease. This is when one or more of the coronary arteries has narrowed. This is a result of fatty deposits (called atheroma) building up on the smooth inner layer of the artery causing it to narrow.

An animation illustrating an artery becoming blocked with the build up of fatty deposits (atheroma). This narrows the artery and restricts blood flow.

The hardening (sclerosis) of these fatty deposits (atheroma) is known as atherosclerosis and produces 'plaques' inside the artery. Atherosclerosis generally develops over many years and gradually restricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.

An animation illustrating the restriction of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle by atherosclerosis.

This results in angina, acute coronary syndrome or myocardial infarction (heart attack). Coronary heart disease does not usually cause valve disease but may affect the rhythm of your heart.

There is unfortunately no cure for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) but you can reduce your risk factors for CHD.