The medical abbreviation "CHD" typically stands for "Coronary Heart Disease". Coronary heart disease is a condition where plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. This buildup of plaque can cause the arteries to become narrow and reduce blood flow to the heart. It can also lead to the formation of blood clots that can block the flow of blood to the heart, resulting in a heart attack.
Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and diabetes. Treatment typically includes lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and medications such as aspirin, statins, and blood pressure-lowering drugs. In severe cases, medical procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, or coronary artery bypass surgery may be necessary.