Is ischemic heart disease and coronary artery disease the same?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide clarity on this topic. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) are often used interchangeably, but they can have slightly different implications depending on the context. CAD refers to the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to a buildup of plaque, which can restrict blood flow to the heart. This condition can lead to ischemia, a state where the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood. IHD, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses all forms of heart disease that are caused by an insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle. This includes not only CAD but also other conditions that can lead to an inadequate blood supply, such as blood clots or congenital heart defects. While CAD is a specific type of IHD, not all cases of IHD are caused by CAD. For instance, a heart attack can occur due to a blood clot blocking a coronary artery, which would be considered an IHD but not necessarily a CAD if the blockage is not due to plaque buildup. In summary, CAD is a subset of IHD where the cause of ischemia is specifically due to the narrowing of the coronary arteries. A heart attack is an acute event that can occur within the spectrum of IHD when the heart muscle is completely deprived of fresh, oxygenated blood.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the same thing as Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD). ... Thus, any degree of coronary artery narrowing can cause ischemia. If the artery becomes 100% narrowed, the victim will have a heart attack. A heart attack happens when the heart muscle is completely deprived of fresh, oxygenated blood.