Ischaemic Heart Disease

Ischaemic heart disease is a condition of recurring chest pain or discomfort when narrowed arteries prevent a part of the heart does not allow to get sufficient blood supply. Most commonly, this happens due to exertion or excitement when the requirement for blood supply is more than usual.

Ischaemic heart disease is also called coronary heart disease. It usually develops when the cholesterol particles in the blood accumulate on the walls of arteries. Eventually, deposits called plaques may form in the arteries. These deposits may obstruct the normal flow of the blood. This reduction in the blood flow also decreases the amount of oxygen supply to the heart muscles.

The signs and symptoms of ischaemic heart disease may gradually develop as arteries become blocked slowly or develop all of a sudden as the artery promptly becomes blocked. Some people with ischaemic heart disease may experience no signs at all, while others may feel chest tightness or discomfort or pain and shortness of breath.