Coronary Heart Disease: Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview
Coronary heart disease (CHD) refers to a group of conditions affecting the coronary arteries, leading to narrowing of the arteries and reduced blood supply to the heart muscle.

CHD typically develops with age and is more common in men under 60 years old. Major risk factors include high-fat diets, lack of physical activity, and obesity. If left untreated, CHD can lead to angina (chest pain) and myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Diagnosis
A comprehensive evaluation includes:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Detects abnormal heart rhythms.

• Myocardial scintigraphy – Assesses blood flow to the heart muscle.

• Echocardiography (Heart ultrasound) – Evaluates heart structure and function.

• Treadmill stress test – Assesses heart response to physical activity.

• CT scan of the heart – Provides detailed imaging of the coronary arteries.

• Coronary angiography – Performed if reduced blood flow is detected, providing a detailed view of artery blockages.

Treatment
Management of coronary heart disease involves lifestyle modifications, medication, and surgical interventions based on disease severity:

• Lifestyle modifications – Healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management.

• Medication therapy – Includes blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors.

• Angioplasty and Stenting – A minimally invasive procedure to open blocked arteries and restore blood flow.

• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) – A surgical procedure to bypass blocked arteries and improve circulation.

Cost of Diagnosis & Treatment:

• From 21,000,000 KRW (stenting)

• 70,000,000 – 90,000,000 KRW (coronary artery bypass grafting)