Coronary heart disease (also known as coronary artery disease) is typically caused by atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty material and plaque (cholesterol, fat, calcium and other substances) build up in the walls of the arteries. Plaque narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart. The block of blood flow to the heart can lead to chest pain or a heart attack.
Chest Pain or Heart Attack
Angina is a common sign of coronary artery disease. Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart does not receive enough blood or oxygen. Angina may feel like pressure or squeezing of the heart muscle. The pain may also be felt under the breast bone, in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or back. The pain typically gets worse with activity or emotion and may go away with rest or with the administration of a medicine called nitroglycerin. Most heart attacks are described as a discomfort in the chest, such as a feeling with angina, indigestion or heartburn. A heart attack occurs when an area of plaque in the artery has broken apart and caused a blood clot, cutting off most or all the blood flow to the heart.
Heart Failure
Another common symptom of coronary artery disease is shortness of breath. This symptom occurs with heart failure. Heart failure occurs when the heart is not able to pump enough blood through the body. Other symptoms of heart failure may include fatigue and swelling of the feet, ankles, legs and abdomen.
Arrhythmia
An arrhythmia is when the heart has an irregular beat. When an arrhythmia occurs, the heart skips beats or beats too fast. Palpitations or a fluttering feeling in the chest may occur. Some arrhythmias may cause the heart to suddenly stop beating, which is known as sudden cardiac arrest or SCA. SCA can cause faintness or even death.
