CORONARY HEART DISEASE (CHD)

• Caused by a number of factors, although amounts of certain fats and genetic history are thought to be the most significant

• Formation of fatty plaques on the inside of blood vessels by lipoproteins which transport fats and cholesterol around the body. These may restrict blood supply, or fragments may break off and block smaller blood vessels

• A heart attack (or coronary) is caused by the death of tissue in the heart after a blood vessel has been blocked

• A stroke is caused by the death of tissue in the brain after a blood vessel has been blocked

• Difficult to treat once it is established - better results from prevention