Coronary heart disease results from what primary process?

Coronary heart disease primarily results from the narrowing of the arteries, specifically the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. This narrowing is often a consequence of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaques made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances on the artery walls. As these plaques accumulate, they lead to a reduction in the lumen of the arteries, limiting blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart. This can result in symptoms like chest pain (angina) or even heart attacks when blood flow becomes critically restricted.

The other processes mentioned, such as weakening of the heart muscle, increased blood sugar levels, and thickening of the blood, can be related to heart conditions but are not the primary process underlying coronary heart disease itself. Weakening of the heart muscle, for instance, might relate to other forms of heart disease like cardiomyopathy. Conversely, increased blood sugar levels are more directly associated with diabetes, which can increase the risk of heart disease but do not cause the disease directly. Thickening of the blood can lead to complications, but it is not the initial process that leads to the development of coronary heart disease.