Coronary Heart Disease, or CHD as it is commonly referred to in the health community, is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (or CDC).
The typical causes for CHD stem from damages to and within the lumens of the vessels that supply the heart with blood. These damages may be caused by high blood pressure, smoking, an obesogenic lifestyle, diabetes, or simply aging. Collectively, the vessels of the heart are known as the coronary vasculature.
The narrowing or obstruction of any coronary blood vessels can lead to myocardial ischemia, chest pain, and chest pain equivalents in your patients. One of the manifestations of CVD is acute coronary syndrome, often called ACS. Promptly recognizing the presence of ACS is an integral component to effectively treat the condition.