[Common Diseases] Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
A must-read guide to treating coronary heart disease for Hong Kong residents
Coronary heart disease (also known as coronary artery disease) is one of the most common heart diseases in Hong Kong and a major cause of death and hospitalization. According to data from the Hong Kong Department of Health, CHD has long been among the top ten causes of death in Hong Kong, with a particularly high incidence among middle-aged and elderly people, but has recently shown a trend of younger prevalence.
As an editor, I discovered while compiling information that many Hong Kong people mistakenly believe coronary heart disease is simply a "heartache." In fact, it is a chronic, progressive disease that can even be fatal during acute attacks. More importantly, once diagnosed, coronary heart disease isn't a death sentence. Modern medicine offers a variety of effective treatments that can help patients manage their condition, prolong their lives, and improve their quality of life.
1. What is coronary heart disease?
Coronary heart disease refers to the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart due to atherosclerosis, leading to myocardial ischemia and hypoxia. Common types include:
- Stable angina
- Acute coronary syndrome (including unstable angina, myocardial infarction)
2. Why do people suffer from coronary heart disease?
Common risk factors in Hong Kong include:
- Hypercholesterolemia
- hypertension
- diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity and lack of exercise
- Chronic stress and sleep deprivation
- Family history
💡 Editor's observation: Hong Kong urbanites tend to have a fatty and salty diet, high work pressure, and insufficient exercise, all of which are breeding grounds for coronary heart disease.
3. Symptoms of coronary heart disease
- Pressure, burning, or tightness in the chest (may radiate to the left shoulder, neck, jaw, or back)
- shortness of breath
- cold sweats
- Nausea and dizziness
- Symptoms may be atypical in women, the elderly, and those with diabetes, such as just fatigue or stomach pain.
4. Why is treatment needed?
Once coronary heart disease worsens, it may cause:
- Myocardial infarction (death of part of the heart muscle)
- heart failure
- Irregular heartbeat
- sudden death
Therefore, early treatment is not only necessary to alleviate symptoms but also to prevent fatal complications.
5. Treatment of coronary heart disease
Treatment goals include:
- Relieve symptoms (reduce angina attacks)
- Improve blood supply to the heart
- Prevent myocardial infarction
- Reduce mortality
Treatment can be roughly divided into three major directions: lifestyle improvement , drug therapy and interventional/surgical treatment .
5.1 Lifestyle improvement (basic treatment)
Even if coronary heart disease has been diagnosed, improving lifestyle habits remains the basis for controlling the disease.
-
Healthy eating
- Follow a Mediterranean or heart-healthy diet (rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, olive oil)
- Reduce saturated fat and trans fat
- Controlling sodium intake (reducing salt intake)
- Limit sugar intake (especially sugary drinks)
-
Regular exercise
- After a doctor's evaluation, moderate aerobic exercise (brisk walking, swimming, cycling) can be performed.
- Exercise helps improve blood lipids, blood pressure and blood sugar
-
Quit smoking and limit alcohol
- Quitting smoking can significantly reduce heart disease risk
- Excessive alcohol consumption can put a strain on the heart
-
weight control
- Maintain a BMI between 18.5–23
- Reduce abdominal obesity
-
Reduce stress and get enough sleep
- Long-term high stress and lack of sleep in Hong Kong people increase cardiovascular risks
- Try relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga
5.2 Drug treatment
Medication is one of the main treatments for most patients with coronary heart disease, with the aim of improving blood flow, reducing the burden on the heart, and preventing blood clots.
Common drug categories (commonly used in Hong Kong hospitals and clinics):
- Antiplatelet drugs (such as aspirin, clopidogrel) – to prevent blood clots
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) – stabilize plaques and lower cholesterol
- Beta-blockers – slow the heart rate and reduce myocardial oxygen consumption
- Calcium channel blockers – dilate blood vessels and reduce angina
- Nitrates (Nitroglycerin ) – Quick relief of angina symptoms
- ACE inhibitors/ARBs – lower blood pressure and improve heart function
💡 Editor's note: Doctors in Hong Kong will adjust medication regimens based on the patient's condition, cardiac examination results, and medication tolerance. Some medications require long-term use, and should not be discontinued even if symptoms improve.
5.3 Interventional and surgical treatment
When medications are not enough to control the condition, or if the coronary artery narrowing is severe, your doctor may recommend the following treatments:
-
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI/CVA)
- A stent is placed into the narrowed blood vessel using a catheter to restore blood flow.
- This surgery is available in both public and private hospitals in Hong Kong, with short operation time and quick recovery.
-
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG/Bypass)
- Using the patient's own blood vessels (such as the great saphenous vein) to bypass the blockage and improve blood supply
- Suitable for patients with severe multi-vessel obstruction or left main coronary artery disease
6. Regular testing and follow-up
- electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Treadmill test
- Echocardiography
- Blood lipid, blood sugar, and blood pressure monitoring
Regular follow-up visits help doctors assess changes in your condition and adjust treatment plans.
7. Hong Kong’s medical resources
- Cardiology departments in public hospitals : relatively low costs, but longer waiting times for non-emergency cases
- Private cardiology : faster arrangements for examinations and surgeries, but higher costs
- Community health centers : Some offer heart health education and rehabilitation exercise classes
Editor's summary
Coronary heart disease is a chronic condition, but it's not irreversible. Through lifestyle changes, medication, and even surgery when necessary, many patients can maintain a good quality of life long-term. For Hong Kong residents, the most important thing is not to wait until chest pain strikes before seeking medical attention. Regular health checkups, controlling the "three highs" (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol), and quitting smoking and exercising are the true principles of "prevention is better than cure."
Disclaimer : This article is for reference only and does not constitute any medical advice. The source is referenced from major medical articles.
