Coronary heart

• The coronary arteries are the main blood supply to the myocardium.
• Coronary circulation is important because it supplies oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and other substances needed by cardiac muscle cells.
• Risk factors for atherosclerosis include high cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and family history.
• Atherosclerosis can lead to narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of heart attack.
• Heart attacks occur when there is a sudden blockage of one or more coronary arteries due to a clot forming on top of an area of plaque buildup.
• Treatment options for a heart attack include medication such as aspirin, nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, statins, anticoagulants, and antiplatelet drugs.
• Lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis include quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet low in saturated fats and salt, limiting alcohol intake, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and congenital heart defects.
• Coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as coronary artery disease, occurs when the coronary arteries become blocked with fatty deposits called plaques, leading to reduced blood supply to the heart muscle.
• Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, causing damage to brain cells.