Coronary heart disease (or coronary artery disease) is the leading cause of death worldwide. What makes it even more dangerous? It often develops without any warning signs until it’s too late. For many people, the first symptom of the condition isn’t chest pain—it’s a heart attack.
Understanding how the disease silently progresses can help you take action before it’s too late. In this article, we’ll explain how it develops unnoticed, who’s at risk, and why preventive screenings can save lives.
What Is Coronary Heart Disease?
Coronary heart disease occurs when the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to a buildup of fatty deposits called plaque. This process, known as atherosclerosis, can silently progress over years or even decades.
Artery blockages reduce blood flow to the heart muscle, increasing the risk of:
- Angina: Chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow.
- Heart Attack: Occurs when a plaque ruptures, causing a blood clot that blocks an artery completely.
- Heart Failure: When the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
How Coronary Heart Disease Develops Silently
Coronary heart disease is often called a “silent threat” because it develops slowly and quietly over time. Here’s how it happens:
Early Plaque Formation (No Symptoms)
It all starts with damage to the inner lining of the coronary arteries, known as the endothelium. This damage can be caused by:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Smoking
- Chronic stress
When the artery walls are damaged, cholesterol and other substances start to accumulate, forming plaque. This process can go unnoticed for years because the body compensates by redirecting blood flow through other arteries.
Silent Progression (Mild Narrowing)
As plaque builds up, arteries gradually narrow. Surprisingly, you may not feel any symptoms until the artery is more than 70% blocked. The heart still receives enough oxygen when you’re at rest, masking the problem.
During this stage, coronary heart disease is most dangerous because:
- No symptoms = no action taken
- High risk of sudden plaque rupture
- Potential for a sudden heart attack without warning
Sudden Plaque Rupture (Heart Attack Without Warning)
The real danger comes when a plaque ruptures suddenly. This triggers the body’s clotting response, leading to a blood clot that blocks the artery completely. The result? A heart attack.
Shockingly, many people who suffer a heart attack had no prior symptoms. That’s why coronary heart disease is often diagnosed after a life-threatening event.
Who’s At Risk For Silent Coronary Heart Disease?
While anyone can develop this condition, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of silent progression:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of heart disease
- Chronic stress and poor mental health
- Age: Risk increases after 45 for men and 55 for women
Even if you don’t have symptoms, these risk factors mean you could have silent coronary heart disease developing right now.
How To Detect Coronary Heart Disease Before Symptoms Appear
The only way to catch the disease early is through preventive heart screenings. These tests can identify blockages and risk factors before symptoms develop, allowing for early intervention.
Key Heart Screening Tests:
- Coronary Calcium Score (CT Scan): Detects calcium deposits in the arteries—a sign of atherosclerosis.
- Exercise Stress Test: Evaluates how well your heart handles physical activity.
- Cholesterol and Lipid Panel: Measures levels of LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test: Detects inflammation linked to heart disease.
Early detection = early treatment = saved lives. If caught early, the condition can be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, and, in some cases, medical procedures to restore blood flow.
Learn More: Health Screening For Heart Diseases In Singapore >>
Common Myths About Coronary Heart Disease
- Myth: “If I don’t have chest pain, my heart is fine.”
Fact: Coronary heart disease can progress silently for years without causing chest pain. - Myth: “I’m young, so I’m safe from heart disease.”
Fact: Heart disease can affect people in their 30s or even younger, especially with risk factors like smoking or diabetes. - Myth: “If I exercise regularly, I can’t have heart disease.”
Fact: While exercise reduces risk, it doesn’t eliminate genetic or hidden factors. Screening is still important.
Don’t Wait For Symptoms—Book A Heart Screening Today
Think you’re in the clear because you feel fine? Don’t leave it to chance.
Book a heart health screening and consult a cardiologist specialising in early detection and prevention of coronary artery disease.
- Comprehensive heart risk assessments
- Advanced screenings for early detection
- Personalised plans to improve heart health
Protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic diseases with regular health screening. Compare and shop for health screenings from Singapore and regional healthcare providers at a single convenient platform - shop.health365.sg
This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.