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Condition4 min read

Coronary heart disease

CADCHD

Organ or systemHeartOrgan
Detail level

The arteries that feed the heart narrow because of fatty deposits, so less blood reaches the heart muscle. It can cause chest pain (angina) or a heart attack, and some people have no symptoms before diagnosis.

The disease occurs when blood flow to the heart is obstructed by a build-up of fatty material in the coronary arteries (atherosclerosis). Its factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking. It may go without symptoms until diagnosis, and may begin with angina.

Risk is assessed by medical and family history and lifestyle, and tests include blood tests, an ECG, an echo, a chest X-ray and coronary angiography. Management ranges from lifestyle changes and medicines to balloon dilatation and stenting and surgery.

In one minute12

What is it?
The arteries that supply the heart narrow because of fatty deposits, so less blood reaches the heart muscle.
Who is usually affected?
Linked to smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Acute or chronic?
Chronic; it may begin without symptoms and then lead to angina or a heart attack.
Main symptoms
Chest pain, shortness of breath, and pain in the neck, jaw or arm.
Red flags?
Yes: pressing chest pain with shortness of breath, sweating or nausea.
Preventable?
A balanced diet, physical activity, quitting smoking, and controlling cholesterol and sugar.

What is it?

Coronary artery disease occurs when blood supply to the heart is cut off or obstructed by a build-up of fatty material in the coronary arteries.

Sources1

Causes

The main cause is atherosclerosis: fatty deposits lining the artery walls and narrowing them.

Sources1

Risk factors

Smoking and excessive alcohol, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.

The NHS adds, on its heart attack page: family history and being overweight.

Sources12

Symptoms

Chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, pain in the neck, shoulder, jaw or arm, and dizziness and nausea. There may be no symptoms before diagnosis.

Sources1

How is it diagnosed?

Assessment starts with medical and family history and lifestyle, and tests may include: blood tests, an ECG, an echo, a chest X-ray, and coronary angiography.

Sources1

Treatment

The treatment categories usually used are listed here; this is not a prescription. The doctor chooses the plan according to each person's condition; do not change any medicine or dose without a specialist.

Lifestyle changes (physical activity and quitting smoking), medicines determined by the doctor, balloon dilatation and stenting (angioplasty), and surgery when needed.

Strength of evidence: Moderate evidence

Why this rating: Based on guidance pages from major health bodies (WHO, NHS and NIH) that have not been systematically appraised here; it will be reviewed with a medical reviewer before the grade is raised.

The true effect is probably close to the estimate, but new research could change it.

Sources1

Complications

Heart attack, with the NHS noting a link between the disease and risk of stroke and dementia.

Sources1

Prevention

A balanced diet, physical activity, quitting smoking, and controlling cholesterol and blood sugar.

After a heart attack: controlling cholesterol and blood pressure, cutting down salt and saturated fat, and limiting alcohol.

Strength of evidence: Moderate evidence

Why this rating: Based on guidance pages from major health bodies (WHO, NHS and NIH) that have not been systematically appraised here; it will be reviewed with a medical reviewer before the grade is raised.

The true effect is probably close to the estimate, but new research could change it.

Sources12

When do you need urgent help?

Call emergency services now 998

  • Pressing or squeezing chest pain spreading to the arms, neck or jaw, with severe shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, pallor or loss of consciousness. Call the ambulance immediately and do not drive yourself.2

Get urgent care today

  • New or recurrent chest pain on exertion even if it goes away with rest.1

See your doctor within days

  • Heart risk factors (diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, family history) that have not yet been assessed.1

Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.

Common questions

Can the disease exist without symptoms?

Yes. The NHS states that some people have no symptoms before diagnosis.1

Questions for your doctor

  • What is my risk of heart disease based on my risk factors?
  • Do I need an exercise ECG, an echo or any other test?
  • What should I do when chest pain occurs?
  • What plan for quitting smoking and controlling cholesterol suits me?

References

  1. 1 Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-05
  2. 2 Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-03

Review status: Edited content · Last updated:

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  • — Page created.

Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.

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Emergency numbers

This platform is educational and must not be relied on in emergencies. If a situation is serious, call emergency services now.

UAE numbers (Police 999, Ambulance 998, Civil Defence 997) are from the official UAE Government portal, checked on 7 October 2026: u.ae. For other countries, confirm the official number where you are; numbers can vary by region.

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