Coronary Heart Disease Quiz

Coronary Heart Disease

• Leading cause of death globally
• Occurs when there is an inadequate supply of blood and oxygen to the myocardium due to plaque buildup
• Results in narrowing of arteries, impeding blood flow, and leading to heart attack and other cardiac issues

Risk Factors

Modifiable Risk Factors

• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Smoking history
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Diabetes
• Obesity

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

• Family history
• Age
• Gender
• Genetics

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Stable Angina

• Temporary chest pain
• Breathlessness
• Dyspnea

Heart Attack

• Chest pain
• Pain radiating to neck, jaw, back, shoulders, and arms
• Breathlessness
• Dyspnea
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Nausea

Anatomy of the Heart

• Right Coronary Artery (RCA) supplies blood to the right atrium and right ventricle
• RCA supplies blood to the AV node via the septal perforating branch (found in 90% of people)
• Sinoatrial Nodal Artery (SNA) supplies blood to the SA node
• RCA descending branches also supply to the acute marginal artery
• RCA regulates heart rhythm

Diagnostic Tests

Angiograms

• Purpose: to identify blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Non-invasive test used to diagnose acute pulmonary pathologies and identify stenosis, lesions, chamber size, etc.

Stress Test

• Non-invasive test used in settings of suspected Stable Angina

Blood Work

• Troponin: provides information about an acute ischemic event
• B-type Natriuretic Peptides (BNP): provides information about volume overload of cardiogenic origin

Stable Angina

• Manifestation of a stable angina results from the imbalance between the myocardial oxygen supply and the myocardial oxygen demand
• Coronary artery stenosis is the most common cause of myocardial ischemia
• Increased oxygen demand during physical activity leads to inadequate oxygen supply due to coronary stenosis

Unstable Angina

• Blood flow obstruction (such as plaque formation) leading to myocardial ischemia
• Unpredictable and can occur at rest
• Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
• Pain may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Pain may last a few minutes and follows a pattern such as physical activity or continual stress

Test your knowledge about Coronary Heart Disease, its causes, risk factors, and effects on the heart. Learn about the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that contribute to this leading global cause of death.