Pathophysiology of Coronary Artery Disease

Pathophysiology of Coronary Artery Disease

When atheromatous plaques accumulate within the coronary artery walls, the end result is usually coronary artery disease (CAD). The affected coronary arteries supply both nutrients and oxygen to the myocardium. In this text, I discuss the pathophysiology of CAD.

The Pathophysiology of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Risk/Etiology

The risk factors of CAD according to Marshall Cavendish Corporation (2007) include excessive alcohol intake, diabetes, inadequate vegetable and fruit consumption, hypertension, cigarette smoking and old age. Other risk factors include but are not limited to lack of physical exercise and C-reactive protein (Marshal Cavendish Corporation 2007).

Incidence

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011), since the 1960s, the incidence of CAD has been on a steady decline in the U.S. Some of the factors that have contributed to this decline include enhanced treatment of the same and better control of risk factors. CDC (2011) further notes that in the period between 2006 and 2010, there was an overall decline of CAD from 6.7% to 6.0% in the U.S. In regard to education, sex and age group categories; similar declines were observed.

Pathology

According to Marshall Cavendish Corporation (2007), CAD is caused by the formation of plaques (within the coronary artery walls) as a result of the buildup of particles including but not limited to cellular debris and fatty substances. The starting point of CAD is usually during adolescence with maturation (slow) of the same occurring through adulthood. However, the prevalence of risk factors (identified above) may accelerate the maturation of the disease. With the growth of atherosclerosis, proper blood flow to the heart muscles (and hence oxygen and nutrients) is obstructed.

Signs and Symptoms

According to Marshall Cavendish Corporation (2007), chest pain is the most common symptom of CAD. Other symptoms include but are not limited to increase in heart rate (modest); back, jaw and shoulder pains; swollen ankles and feet; and shortness of breath.

Diagnostic Studies

In basic terms, medical and family histories act as the basis for CAD diagnosis. In this case, abnormal levels of blood proteins, glucose, cholesterol or fats are risk factors for CAD. Further, the risk of CAD is identified by recording electrical purses of the heart using an electrocardiogram. For purposes of indicating heart failure, a chest x-ray may be taken. Any injury in heart muscles can be identified through echocardiography. Narrowing or hardening of the arteries is identified by the use of computer tomography scans. Coronary angiography is yet another way of diagnosing whether the arteries are blocked and the extent of such blockage.

Treatment and Prognosis