IX: Diseases of the circulatory system

I20-I25: Ischaemic heart diseases

Ischaemic heart diseases, grouped under the ICD-10 codes I20-I25, represent a range of conditions caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, typically due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. This can occur over time from factors like high cholesterol levels, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and family history of the disease. Manifestations can range from chest pain (angina) during times of stress or physical effort, to severe conditions like a heart attack (myocardial infarction), where the reduced blood flow causes damage or death to part of the heart muscle. Symptoms often include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and light-headedness. Ischaemic heart diseases are long-term (chronic) conditions that can progressively worsen and can include silent periods, without symptoms, that may nonetheless be damaging the heart. These diseases majorly affect the cardiovascular system and their presence can indirectly influence other body systems.