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It is the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women. CAD happens when the arteries that supply blood to heart muscle become hardened and narrowed. This is due to the buildup of cholesterol and other material, called plaque, on their inner walls. This buildup is called atherosclerosis. As it grows, less blood can flow through the arteries. As a result, the heart muscle can't get the blood or oxygen it needs. This can lead to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack. Most heart attacks happen when a blood clot suddenly cuts off the hearts' blood supply, causing permanent heart damage. Over time, CAD can also weaken the heart muscle and contribute to heart failure and arrhythmias. Heart failure means the heart can't pump blood well to the rest of the body. Arrhythmias are changes in the normal beating rhythm of the heart.
Atherosclerosis
Figure A shows a normal artery with normal blood flow. Figure B shows an artery with plaque buildup. Over time, plaque hardens and narrows your coronary arteries. This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle. Eventually, an area of plaque can rupture (break open). This causes a blood clot to form on the surface of the plaque. If the clot becomes large enough, it can mostly or completely block blood flow through a coronary artery.
Overview
If the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle is reduced or blocked, angina (an-JI-nuh or AN-juh-nuh) or a heart attack may occur. Angina is chest pain or discomfort. It may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest. The pain also may occur in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Angina pain may even feel like indigestion. A heart attack occurs if the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a section of heart muscle suddenly becomes blocked. If blood flow isnt restored quickly, the section of heart muscle begins to die. Without quick treatment, a heart attack can lead to serious problems and even death. Over time, CHD can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure and arrhythmias (ah-RITH-me-ahs). Heart failure is a condition in which your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your bodys needs. Arrhythmias are problems with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat.
An Italian registry of over 6200 patients with heart failure showed the following underlying causes:[13] 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Ischaemic heart disease 40% Dilated cardiomyopathy 32% Valvular heart disease 12% Hypertension 11% Other 5%
Viral myocarditis (an infection of the heart muscle) Infiltrations of the muscle such as amyloidosis HIV cardiomyopathy (caused by human immunodeficiency virus) Connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus Abuse of drugs such as alcohol and cocaine Pharmaceutical drugs such as chemotherapeutic agents Arrhythmias
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart's function as a pump is inadequate to meet the body's needs. Many disease processes can impair the pumping efficiency of the heart to cause congestive heart failure. The symptoms of congestive heart failure vary, but can include fatigue, diminished exercise capacity, shortness of breath, and swelling. The diagnosis of congestive heart failure is based on knowledge of the individual's medical history, a careful physical examination, and selected laboratory tests. The treatment of congestive heart failure can include lifestyle modifications, addressing potentially reversible factors, medications, heart transplant, and mechanical therapies. The course of congestive heart failure in any given patient is extremely variable.