Coronary Artery Disease: Causes, Diagnosis and Management

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a cardiovascular disorder occurring due to the build-up of plaque in the arteries of the heart that causes reduction in the blood flow to the heart muscle. Stable and unstable angina, and myocardial infarction are forms of coronary artery disease. Chest pain that travels to the back, neck, jaw, shoulder, or arm is a common sign of CAD. Certain factors can contribute to the occurrence of CAD which include high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and poor diet. Most cases of cardiovascular diseases are preventable if risk factors are addressed. However, genetic studies have shown a high dependence of coronary artery disease to heredity. The diagnosis of CAD is established by performing baseline electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, coronary angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, etc. Blood tests and a chest X-ray may also be useful in confirming a diagnosis. Lifestyle modifications, coronary interventions such as coronary stent and angioplasty, and coronary artery bypass grafting are certain strategies of CAD management. Medications such as statins for reducing cholesterol, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, nitroglycerin and antiplatelet drugs are medications that may be prescribed by the cardiologist to treat CAD. This book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of coronary artery disease and the recent researches in this pathological condition. The objective of this book is to give a general view of its causes, diagnosis and management. This book, with its detailed analyses and data, will prove immensely beneficial to professionals and students involved in cardiology at various levels.