Cardiovascular Disorder: Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is an extremely widespread disease that affects millions

of Americans each year. It is a progressive disease that causes ischemia to the heart tissues

themselves as the cardiomyocytes are deprived of oxygen-rich blood flow and slowly begin

cardiovascular weakening. One can become susceptible to this disease by being overweight,

consuming a diet high in saturated fats and simple carbohydrates, smoking tobacco or nicotine,

and having a family history of CAD (CDC, 2019).

The hallmark clinical manifestations of CAD are predominantly centered on the chief

complaint of angina, or chest pain. This particular type of pain generally occurs when hard

plaque accumulates inside the arteries and causes arteriosclerotic narrowing and pressure

buildup. As a result of the silent plaque buildup within the coronary artery, many patients do not

discover their cardiovascular disease until they have a myocardial infarction episode. Other

symptoms include: weakness, light-headedness, nausea, and shortness of breath. Without

changes in diet or lifestyle, CAD can weaken the heart tissue and cause heart failure (CDC,

2019).

Life expectancy with CAD is dependent on how well the person takes care of himself and

prevents further plaque buildup. According to a study regarding gender differences of CAD,

women have more risks factors and angina, but men were more likely to suffer heart attacks;

thus, making it a complex disease between the sexes (Jamee et al., 2013). Treatment likely

revolves around a cardiac rehabilitation program prescribed by the primary care provider that

focuses on physical activity, dietary education, and stress management.

 References

CDC. (2019, December 09). Coronary Artery Disease. Retrieved July 13, 2020, from

https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/coronary_ad.htm

Jamee, A., Abed, Y., & Jalambo, M. O. (2013). Gender difference and characteristics attributed

to coronary artery disease in Gaza-Palestine. Global journal of health science, 5(5), 51–

56. https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v5n5p51