Coronary heart disease is what?

Written by Tang Li

Cardiology

Updated on October 19, 2024

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Coronary heart disease is the most common type of vascular disease caused by atherosclerosis and is a common disease that harms human health, often occurring in men over the age of forty. Men tend to develop the disease earlier than women. It is defined as atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, causing narrowing or occlusion of the lumen, leading to myocardial ischemia, hypoxia, or necrosis, and resulting in heart disease. Currently, the diagnostic gold standard for coronary heart disease is coronary angiography. During coronary angiography, the presence of significant stenosis in the coronary artery lumen of more than fifty percent can diagnose coronary artery atherosclerotic heart disease, or coronary heart disease. The pathological anatomy and pathophysiology of coronary heart disease vary, leading to different clinical manifestations. In 1979, the World Health Organization classified it into five types: 1. Asymptomatic myocardial ischemia. 2. Angina pectoris. 3. Myocardial infarction. 4. Ischemic cardiomyopathy. 5. Sudden death. Currently, based on different characteristics of onset and principles of treatment, it is divided into two main categories: First category: Chronic coronary artery disease. Second category: Acute coronary syndrome. Acute coronary syndrome includes unstable angina, non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and sudden death is also included as a manifestation of acute coronary heart disease.

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Written by Liu Yong

Cardiology

1min 12sec

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How to Provide Emergency Aid for a Heart Attack

The cause of coronary heart disease is the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries, leading to insufficient blood supply to the heart and resulting in symptoms. Therefore, the emergency treatment for a coronary event often involves the use of medications that dilate the coronary arteries to alleviate the symptoms of myocardial ischemia. Commonly used nitrate medications taken sublingually can quickly relieve symptoms of angina. The significance of nitrates lies in their ability to release nitric oxide donors, which can effectively dilate the coronary arteries. This dilation improves blood flow through the coronary arteries and thus corrects symptoms of myocardial ischemia. During an attack, considering sublingual nitrate medication is advisable, provided there is no history of severe hypotension from nitrates, or if there is no hypotension during the attack, under these circumstances, this type of medication can be considered. If any of the above contraindications exist, such as low blood pressure, one might also consider sublingual administration of some traditional Chinese medicine preparations, like emergency pills, which can be used as well.

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Written by Chen Ya

Geriatrics

1min 21sec

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What is good for patients with coronary heart disease to eat?

For patients with coronary heart disease, a predominantly vegetarian diet is recommended. The diet should be low in calories, fats, cholesterol, and salt; high in protein, vitamins, and fiber; non-irritating; divided into more frequent, smaller meals; and consist of easily digestible foods. Regular consumption of nutrient-rich, easily digestible foods is advisable, especially those containing high-quality proteins with essential amino acids, B vitamins, and vitamin C. It is important to avoid overeating, restrict salt intake, and remember to include potassium-rich foods. Examples of beneficial foods include beans and their products, potatoes, seaweed, kelp, shiitake mushrooms, other mushrooms, Chinese yam, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, buckwheat, and bananas. Limit the intake of fats and sugar-rich foods, and opt for foods that can reduce blood lipids, such as milk, sheep's milk, soybeans, green beans, peas, lentils, carrots, cauliflower, hawthorn, kelp, fish, onions, and shiitake mushrooms.

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Written by Liu Yong

Cardiology

50sec

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What are the symptoms of the early stage of coronary heart disease?

Coronary heart disease refers to the condition where the coronary arteries undergo arteriosclerotic changes, leading to the narrowing or blockage of the vessel lumen, which in turn causes myocardial ischemia, hypoxia, or necrosis, resulting in a series of heart conditions. Some of the early manifestations of this disease often include chest pain triggered by physical activity or emotional agitation. Sometimes it can also manifest as a feeling of suffocation and pain, which often appears as paroxysmal angina or crushing pain, and may radiate to other areas such as the shoulder, upper arm, and fingers. Resting or taking medications like nitroglycerin can significantly alleviate symptoms. Other possible symptoms include fever, sweating, panic, nausea, vomiting, etc.

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Written by Chen Ya

Geriatrics

50sec

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Coronary heart disease is caused by what?

Coronary heart disease is caused by the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis, leading to myocardial ischemia and hypoxia. The exact cause of coronary atherosclerosis is not yet clear. Extensive research indicates that the formation of atherosclerosis involves various factors including arterial wall cells, extracellular matrix blood components, local hemodynamic environment, and genetics. Key risk factors include abnormalities in lipoproteins, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, elevated homocysteine, reduced physical activity, and old age. The condition primarily starts with damage to the endothelium and gradually progresses from there.

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Written by Chen Ya

Geriatrics

1min 30sec

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What should not be eaten with coronary heart disease?

Coronary heart disease is a cardiovascular disease, essentially characterized by atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. Therefore, foods that should be avoided are those that could further negatively affect vascular function and blood circulation. Specifically, foods high in cholesterol should be limited, particularly animal organs such as liver and offal from pigs and chickens, as these are the primary culprits in causing coronary artery atherosclerosis due to high blood lipids. Furthermore, foods rich in cholesterol like preserved eggs, crab roe, fish roe, and cream should also be consumed less frequently to prevent increased blood lipid levels and higher chances of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. Additionally, strong tea should be avoided as it may cause excitement, insomnia, and trigger heart disease. Also, it's advisable to avoid spicy foods and condiments such as chili peppers and mustard, as these can cause vasoconstriction and spasms, leading to angina or even myocardial infarction. Finally, smoking should be quit and alcohol intake should be limited, with individuals frequently experiencing episodes of coronary heart disease advised to abstain from alcohol completely.