Coronary Artery Disease

Definition

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition characterized by the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This reduction in blood flow can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, and other serious cardiovascular issues, making it a significant concern within cardiovascular diseases and stroke discussions. CAD often develops due to atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the arteries, leading to inflammation and reduced blood flow over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death globally, affecting millions of people each year.
2. Risk factors for developing CAD include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
3. Symptoms of CAD may include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, and in some cases, no symptoms at all until a heart attack occurs.
4. Diagnostic tests for CAD can include stress tests, electrocardiograms (EKG), angiograms, and blood tests to measure cholesterol levels.
5. Treatment options for CAD may involve lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical interventions such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Review Questions

• How does atherosclerosis contribute to the development of coronary artery disease?
  • Atherosclerosis is the primary underlying condition that leads to coronary artery disease. It involves the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, which narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow to the heart. As plaque accumulates, it can cause inflammation and further damage to the arterial walls, increasing the risk of blockages. This reduced blood flow can lead to symptoms like angina and increase the likelihood of serious events such as heart attacks.
• Evaluate how lifestyle choices impact the risk of developing coronary artery disease.
  • Lifestyle choices play a critical role in influencing the risk factors associated with coronary artery disease. Habits such as smoking, poor diet high in saturated fats and sugars, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly elevate the risk. Conversely, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, balanced nutrition rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress can reduce these risks and improve overall heart health.
• Discuss the long-term implications of untreated coronary artery disease on overall health and quality of life.
  • Untreated coronary artery disease can lead to severe long-term health issues that significantly affect an individual's quality of life. As the condition progresses, it can result in frequent angina attacks, heart failure due to weakened heart function, and an increased risk of sudden cardiac events like myocardial infarction. The ongoing physical limitations and psychological impacts of living with CAD can lead to anxiety and depression. Overall, without proper management and treatment, CAD can severely diminish one's health status and day-to-day functioning.

Related terms

Atherosclerosis: A condition in which fatty deposits (plaque) build up on the artery walls, leading to narrowing and potential blockage.

Angina: Chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough blood and oxygen, often a symptom of CAD.

Myocardial Infarction: Commonly known as a heart attack, this occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for an extended period, causing damage to the heart muscle.