Ischemic heart disease, also known as coronary heart disease, is the leading cause of death globally and shares many of the same risk factors as stroke, including high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, lack of regular exercise, diabetes and high cholesterol. Coronary heart disease is caused when the blood vessels supplying blood and oxygen to the heart muscle become narrowed and blocked. Sudden or severe blockage can lead to a ‘heart attack’. The most common heart attack symptoms are chest pain, back or jaw pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and lightheadedness. Coronary heart disease is largely preventable by treating high blood pressure and diabetes, avoiding smoking, exercising regularly, and consuming a healthy diet low in salt, fat, and sugars.
