What is another term for ischemic heart disease?

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Ischemic heart disease is primarily characterized by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, typically due to the narrowing of coronary arteries. This condition is often caused by the buildup of plaque, which leads to coronary artery disease. Therefore, another term for ischemic heart disease is coronary artery disease, emphasizing the direct association between the narrowing of the coronary arteries and the resultant lack of oxygen-rich blood to the heart, which can lead to chest pain (angina) or heart attacks.

The other terms listed refer to different heart conditions:

  • Heart valve disease involves problems with one or more of the heart valves and does not specifically relate to issues with blood flow caused by narrowed arteries.

  • Cardiomyopathy pertains to diseases of the heart muscle itself that can affect its size, shape, and ability to pump blood, rather than being caused by blockages in the coronary arteries.

  • Aortic disease focuses on the aorta, the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the body, and is unrelated to the coronary arteries' health and function.

Understanding this terminology is crucial for comprehending the various cardiovascular conditions and their interrelations.

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