Final answer:
Coronary artery disease (CAD) starts with the development of atherosclerosis, a build-up of plaque in the arteries, which can reduce blood flow and oxygen to the heart leading to severe complications. Risk factors include high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity. Treatment focuses on managing these risk factors and may involve lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coronary artery disease (CAD) starts with a process known as atherosclerosis, which involves the build-up of plaque in the arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood. This plaque is composed of a variety of substances including cholesterol, connective tissue, white blood cells, and smooth muscle cells. The development of atherosclerosis often begins in childhood and can be influenced by risk factors such as a high-fat diet, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Over time, the plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially leading to complications such as angina (chest pain), myocardial infarction (heart attack), and strokes. This reduction in blood flow, or ischemia, results in an insufficient supply of oxygen to the heart tissue, known as hypoxia, which can have severe consequences if left untreated.
It is essential to manage risk factors for CAD to prevent or slow the progression of atherosclerosis. Treatments often address the underlying atherosclerosis and may include lifestyle changes, medications, and, if necessary, medical procedures such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery.