Koronare Herzkrankheitnarrowed arteries to the heart muscle.
Coronary artery disease is a narrowing of the arteries that supply the heart muscle, caused by a build-up of fatty plaque. It can cause angina, and it is the main cause of heart attacks. It can be slowed, and its risks greatly reduced.
At a glance
- Often noticed as
- Chest discomfort on exertion, or no symptoms
- Confirmed with
- A CT coronary scan or a stress test
- Aim of care
- Relieve symptoms and prevent heart attacks
- Followed up in
- Allgemeine Kardiologie
Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person, and some people have none. These are the most common.
- Chest pain, tightness or heaviness on exertion (angina)
- Breathlessness on exertion
- Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck or back
- Tiredness, especially in older people and people with diabetes
- No symptoms at all, until a heart attack
Causes and risk factors
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- A family history of early heart disease
- Age, excess weight and inactivity
How it is diagnosed
The diagnosis starts with your history and an examination. These are the tests most often used to confirm it.
- EKGIn der Praxis verfügbar
- BelastungstestIn der Praxis verfügbar
- CT-BildgebungÜberweisung ins Krankenhaus
- KoronarangiografieÜberweisung ins Krankenhaus
How it is managed
Protect the arteries
Aspirin or a similar medicine, and a statin, lower the risk of a heart attack.
Relieve angina
Medicines ease chest pain and make exercise more comfortable.
Treat the risk factors
Stopping smoking and controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes slow the disease.
Open the artery, when needed
If symptoms persist or a narrowing is severe, a stent or bypass surgery is arranged by referral to a specialist centre.
General information, not a treatment plan. Your treatment is decided with you after an assessment.
Get emergency help now if you have
Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a clinic appointment.
- Chest pain lasting more than 15 minutes, or coming on at rest
- Chest pain with sweating, sickness or breathlessness
- Fainting
- Angina that is suddenly worse or more frequent
Common questions
Do I need an angiogram?
Not always. Many people are first assessed with a CT scan or a stress test. An angiogram is recommended when its result would change your treatment.
Can the narrowing be reversed?
Plaque can be stabilised, and sometimes reduced a little, with a statin and risk-factor control. The aim is to stop it progressing.
Is it safe to exercise?
For most people, yes, and it helps. Your limits are agreed after an assessment, sometimes with a stress test.
Other conditions
All conditions- HerzinsuffizienzDer Herzmuskel pumpt oder füllt sich nicht so gut, wie er sollte, sodass der Körper weniger erhält, als er braucht.
- VorhofflimmernEin unregelmäßiger, oft schneller Herzschlag, der in den Vorhöfen entsteht und das Schlaganfallrisiko erhöht.
- BluthochdruckDer Druck in den Arterien bleibt zu hoch. Er verursacht selten Beschwerden, belastet aber Herz und Gefäße auf Dauer.
- Erhöhtes CholesterinZu viel Cholesterin im Blut, das sich über viele Jahre in den Arterienwänden ablagern kann.
- KardiomyopathieEine Erkrankung des Herzmuskels selbst, der verdickt, gedehnt oder versteift sein kann.
- HerzklappenerkrankungEine der vier Herzklappen öffnet sich nicht vollständig oder schließt nicht richtig.
- Angina pectorisBrustbeschwerden, meist bei Belastung, wenn der Herzmuskel kurzzeitig zu wenig Blut erhält.
- HerzrhythmusstörungEin zu schneller, zu langsamer oder unregelmäßiger Herzschlag, verursacht durch eine Störung im elektrischen System des Herzens.
- Diabetes und HerzDiabetes erhöht das Risiko für Herz- und Gefäßerkrankungen, daher werden beide am besten gemeinsam behandelt.
Living with this, or worried you might be?
Book a consultation or send a question on WhatsApp. Your history, results and treatment are reviewed in person, and the plan is explained to you before you leave.
This page explains a condition in general terms. It cannot diagnose you or replace an examination, and it is not a treatment plan. Do not change or stop a medicine without talking to your doctor. If your symptoms are severe, sudden or happening now, seek emergency care immediately.