Cardiac disease is one of the most common fatal illnesses in Hong Kong, with coronary heart disease as the top killer among others. In addition to diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, cardiologists will also proceed from prevention to reducing high-risk factors and reducing the risk of heart disease.

What is coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease, the top killer among cardiac diseases in Hong Kong, is caused by accumulation of cholesterol and fatty deposits at the inner walls of coronary arteries, which narrows or even blocks arterial lumina and inhibits normal flowing of the blood, thus causes damage or necrosis to the cardiac muscles.

Impact on patients

Angina, anhelation, weakness, death, etc.

Diagnosis of coronary heart disease

A variety of methods for recording cardiac activity and observing cardiac imaging can be applied for diagnosis of coronary heart disease, commonly includes electrocardiogram, 24-hour electrocardiogram, exercise electrocardiogram, cardiac ultrasonography, cardiac catheterization, coronary angiography, etc.

Treatment of coronary heart disease

Percutaneous coronary intervention and stent placement (PCI) is the most common treatment for coronary heart disease. Cardiologists insert a balloon into the artery with a catheter to open it by expanding the balloon, and then place a stent inside to prevent the blood vessel from narrowing again.