Coronary heart disease
Immediate action required: Phone 999 if:
You or someone else has symptoms like:
- central chest pain or discomfort in the chest that doesn't go away – it may feel like pressure, tightness or squeezing
- pain that radiates down the left arm, or both arms, or to the neck, jaw, back or stomach
- unconsciousness
- seizures or fitting
- difficulty breathing (snoring or rasping)
- rapid heart beat
- low or undetectable heart beat
- blue or pale tingling of knees, hands and lips
- chest pain and breathlessness, nausea, sweating or coughing up blood
What is coronary heart disease?
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a term used to describe what happens when the blood flow to the heart is interrupted or reduced. It is also known as ischaemic heart disease.
Often, the reduction or blockage in blood flow is caused by atherosclerosis. This is when a fatty material called atheroma builds up inside the coronary arteries. This can narrow the coronary arteries, reducing the blood flow.
If a piece of atheroma breaks off, this can cause a blockage and cut off blood supply to the heart. This is known as a heart attack.
Further information is available about the diagnosis, treatment and management of:
Symptoms of CHD
The main symptoms of coronary heart disease are:
- chest pain (angina)
- shortness of breath
- pain throughout the body
- feeling faint
- feeling sick (nausea)
Urgent advice: Phone 999 if:
- you think you or someone else is having a heart attack
Diagnosing CHD
Many different tests may be used to diagnose coronary heart disease, including:
- CT coronary angiography (CTCA)
- coronary angiography
- electrocardiogram (ECG)
- thallium scan (myocardial perfusion scintigraphy)
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Risk factors for heart disease
There are various risk factors for heart disease, some of which you have control over and others that you don’t.
Uncontrollable risk factors
Uncontrollable risk factors for heart disease include:
Lifestyle risk factors
Your risk can also be increased by certain lifestyle factors. These are sometimes called controllable risk factors. For example, your diet, level of physical activity and smoking habits.
You can make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of heart disease, including:
Health conditions
If you've been diagnosed with some other health conditions, you might also be at increased risk of heart disease. These conditions include:
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- high cholesterol
- type 2 diabetes
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis
Support groups
You might find support groups useful if you:
- have a heart condition
- have had a heart condition in the past
- are caring for someone with a heart condition
Your GP or specialist should be able to provide you with details about your nearest support group. You can also search Scotland’s Services Directory.
Information and support for people living with a heart condition is also provided by:
Last updated:
14 April 2023