Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease, or CAD, is a blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis involves the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup. This plaque comprises cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin.

Risk factors for CAD are divided into modifiable and non-modifiable categories.

Non-modifiable risk factors include age, with men over 45 and women over 55 at higher risk.

Gender differences indicate that men generally face a higher risk of CAD earlier in life, whereas women's risk increases significantly after menopause. Additionally, a family history of CAD further elevates the risk for both men and women.

Modifiable risk factors include smoking, hypertension, high levels of LDL, and low levels of HDL.

Additionally, in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, a BMI greater than 30 kg/m² and a waist circumference exceeding 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women increase the risk.

Physical inactivity, poor diet, excessive alcohol intake, and psychosocial factors such as chronic stress, depression, and anxiety are also linked to a higher risk of CAD.