Is coronary artery atherosclerosis the same as coronary heart disease?

Coronary artery sclerosis is not synonymous with coronary heart disease (CHD). Coronary artery sclerosis refers to narrowing or stenosis of the coronary arteries that is less than 50%, whereas CHD is defined by coronary arterial stenosis exceeding 50%. If coronary stenosis does not yet warrant interventional or bypass surgery, antiplatelet therapy may be initiated. Once CHD is diagnosed, vasodilatory medications—designed to dilate the coronary arteries—should also be started as early as possible. In cases of severe coronary artery stenosis, interventional treatment (e.g., percutaneous coronary intervention) may be considered.