What is coronary heart disease?

Coronary heart disease is a chronic condition that causes the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart to narrow and harden. As a result, blood flow to the heart slows or stops and the heart becomes deprived of blood. Coronary heart disease can cause symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and swelling.

What is a stent?

A stent is a tiny wire mesh tube that is used to prop an artery open following angioplasty. Special coatings are now placed on stents to ensure long term patency.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs when plaque and blood clots block an artery and prevent blood from flowing to areas of the heart muscle. Permanent damage to the heart muscle can occur as a result.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

Symptoms of a heart attack may include chest pain or pressure that lasts longer than several minutes, pain that spreads from the chest down the left arm or into the left side of the neck, heavy sweating, and shortness of breath. Many patients though do not experience typical symptoms and still need to be assessed.

Are all types of heart disease hereditary?

Frequently, individuals are predisposed to developing heart disease because of their family history, but that is not always the case. Some people are born with heart problems, while others develop them as a result of viral infections or toxic medications. Lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, smoking, drinking, and drug abuse, can also increase one’s risk for heart disease.