Coronary heart disease: what's behind itCoronary heart disease, or CHD for short, is one of the most common heart diseases. It leads to circulatory disorders of the heart.
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In Germany, around 5.5 million men and women are affected by. Prof. Dr. Michael Niehaus, head physician of the Medical Clinic I Cardiology and Rhythmology at the Helios Klinikum Gifhorn, explains what coronary heart disease is and which symptoms point to it.
What is coronary artery disease?
"Coronary artery disease is a serious disease of the heart that can lead to
Circulatory disorders of the heart muscle leads", says the chief physician. In CHD, there is vascular calcification (arteriosclerosis) in the coronary arteries, causing them to narrow. "Coronary arteries are arteries that supply oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood to the heart. 'They extend in a wreath shape around the heart,' says prof. Niehaus. Risk of atherosclerosis increases with age. This also increases the risk of coronary heart disease. Men are affected more often and earlier, Often from the age of 45. Year of life. Women are initially better protected by the female sex hormone estrogen. Only after menopause does this protection become weaker, so that women from the age of 55. The dentist must be aware of the fact that patients can develop coronary heart disease before they reach the age of 18. Coronary heart disease is widespread, especially in Western countries. Represents the most frequent cause of death there. The tricky thing: a CHD can remain asymptomatic for a long time proceed. If the symptoms of angina pectoris (chest tightness) then occur for the first time, for the first time at rest or more intensely than before, the risk of a heart attack has increased significantly.