Ischemic Heart Disease vs. Coronary Artery Disease: Understanding the Difference

Yes.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) occurs when the blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. This can be caused by several conditions, including:

- Coronary artery disease (CAD): This is the most common cause of IHD. CAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by a build-up of plaque (atherosclerosis).

- Coronary artery spasm: This is a sudden, temporary narrowing of the coronary arteries. It can cause chest pain (angina) or a heart attack.

- Microvascular coronary dysfunction: This is a condition in which the small blood vessels in the heart muscle become damaged. It can cause chest pain or shortness of breath.

- Other conditions: Other conditions that can cause IHD include:

- Heart valve disease

- High blood pressure

- Diabetes

- High cholesterol

- Smoking

- Obesity

- Severe anaemia

- Thyroid disease

- Scleroderma and other connective tissue diseases

- Cocaine and amphetamine abuse

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a specific type of IHD. It occurs when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked by a build-up of plaque. CAD is the most common cause of heart attacks. Symptoms of CAD can include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and fatigue.