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Coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease is a very common condition affecting around 2.3 million people in the UK. CHD is sometimes called ischaemic heart disease (IHD) or coronary artery disease (CAD). Some people may also refer to it as heart disease.

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What is coronary heart disease?

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is when your coronary arteries become narrowed by fatty material within their walls. These arteries supply your heart with blood containing high levels of oxygen.

Over time, a fatty material called atheroma (sometimes known as plaque) can build up inside your coronary arteries. This process is called atherosclerosis. Eventually, your arteries may become so narrow that they cannot get enough blood to your heart.  

If a piece of atheroma breaks off, a blood clot (clump of blood) forms around this to try and repair the damage to the artery wall. This clot can block your coronary artery and cut off the supply of blood and oxygen to your heart muscle. This is known as a heart attack.

What are the symptoms of coronary heart disease?

CHD develops slowly over time and the symptoms can be different for everyone. Some people do not know they have CHD before they have a heart attack.

Angina is the name given for chest pain or an uncomfortable feeling that happens when blood flow to your heart muscle is reduced. It is a common symptom of CHD.

You might also feel pain or an uncomfortable feeling in your;

  • shoulders
  • arms
  • neck
  • jaw
  • back
  • stomach.

Other symptoms of coronary heart disease include;

  • shortness of breath
  • feeling faint
  • feeling sick.

Coronary heart disease treatment

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. These may include:

In addition to medications and procedures, your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes to improve the health of your heart. These include stopping smoking, eating a balanced diet, and staying physically active.

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Speak to your doctor if you’re having any concerns about your treatment. You can ask about anything from side effects to worries about your surgery.

What causes coronary heart disease?

There are different things that increase your risk of CHD. These include;

How to prevent coronary heart disease

Living a healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk of developing CHD. There are lots of changes you can make. These include;

  • eating a healthy diet
  • staying physically active
  • quitting smoking
  • maintaining a healthy weight
  • reducing how much alcohol you drink. 

The Ticker Tapes Podcast 

Rachel was in her 30s, fit and healthy, when she started to experience chest pains. Heart disease was the last thing on her mind. In this episode, Rachel tells us how her life has changed in the 17 years since her diagnosis.

Hear Rachel's story >

How is coronary heart disease diagnosed?

Your doctor will need to carry out a few tests to diagnose CHD. These tests are very common. Some of the tests include;

If you have any questions about these tests, speak to your healthcare professional.

You can have a free NHS health check to assess your risk of CHD if you’re between 40 and 74 years old and live in England.

If you live in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, please check with your GP about assessing your risk of CHD.

The health check usually takes place at your GP surgery. It lasts about 20 minutes. A healthcare professional such as a nurse, doctor, pharmacist or healthcare assistant will check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They will also take a measurement of height, weight, and waist. Based on your results and lifestyle choices, they will give you practical advice about keeping your heart healthy.

Coronary heart disease in women

Some people think that CHD only affects men, but it affects women as well. There are around 800,000 women living with CHD in the UK.

 

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Page last reviewed: January 2024
Next review due: January 2027

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