Coronary Artery Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment – A Comprehensive Modern Review
- Cintica-Admin
- Sep 3
- 4 min read
AUDIO:
I. Overview Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a chronic, progressive condition characterized by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques along the inner walls of the coronary arteries—vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. These plaques can narrow or completely block the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart (myocardial ischemia) and, in severe cases, causing a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
CAD is a leading cause of illness and death worldwide, especially in developed countries—including the United States—where around 800,000 people experience a heart attack each year. The disease also contributes significantly to healthcare costs and lost productivity.
II. Causes and Risk Factors The primary cause of CAD is atherosclerosis—buildup of fats, cholesterol, calcium, and cellular debris inside the arterial walls, forming plaques that narrow the artery’s opening.
Modifiable risk factors include:
High blood pressure (hypertension): Directly linked to the risk of cardiac events.
High levels of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) and low levels of HDL ("good" cholesterol): Increase the likelihood of plaque buildup.
Diabetes: Accelerates atherosclerotic changes.
Obesity and lack of physical activity: Raise risk by negatively affecting metabolism.
Smoking: One of the strongest reversible risk factors.
Non-modifiable risk factors include:
Age: Risk increases progressively after age 40, especially in men.
Gender: Men are at higher risk at younger ages, but after menopause, women’s risk matches or surpasses that of men.
Family history: A family history of early-onset CAD significantly increases risk.
