What body system does coronary heart disease affect? Also How does this disease affect normal homeostasis of the body system

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/cad/understandingcad.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_homeostasis

The cardiovascular system.

Coronary heart disease affects the cardiovascular system, specifically the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle.

To understand how coronary heart disease affects normal homeostasis, let's first define homeostasis. Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment. In terms of the cardiovascular system, the goal of homeostasis is to ensure adequate blood flow and oxygen supply to meet the body's needs.

Coronary heart disease occurs when a buildup of plaque, made up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances, forms in the coronary arteries. These are the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. As the plaque buildup progresses, it narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart.

This reduction in blood flow disrupts the normal homeostasis of the cardiovascular system in several ways:

1. Reduced Oxygen Supply: The narrowed arteries limit the amount of oxygen-rich blood that can reach the heart muscle. This diminishes the amount of oxygen available for the heart to function properly.

2. Impaired Nutrient Delivery: Along with oxygen, the coronary arteries also carry nutrients that the heart needs to function optimally. When the arteries are narrowed, the delivery of these essential nutrients is compromised, affecting the heart's energy production and overall function.

3. Increased Workload: In response to reduced blood flow, the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body, especially to compensate for the narrowed arteries. This increased workload can lead to an imbalance in the heart's oxygen supply and demand, further disrupting homeostasis.

4. Risk of Ischemia and Heart Attack: If the plaque buildup in the coronary arteries becomes severe or if a blood clot forms on the plaque, it can completely block the blood flow to a portion of the heart muscle. This can lead to a condition called ischemia, which is a lack of blood supply and oxygen to the heart. Without prompt treatment, it can result in a heart attack, causing irreversible damage to the heart muscle and further disturbing the body's homeostasis.

In summary, coronary heart disease affects normal homeostasis by reducing oxygen supply, impairing nutrient delivery, increasing the heart's workload, and increasing the risk of ischemia and heart attack.