Final answer:
Obese patients are at a higher risk of coronary artery disease due to factors like increased cholesterol and fat levels in the blood, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Obesity exacerbates the heart's workload and is linked with other cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes. Lifestyle changes and medication can help manage these risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients who are obese are at high risk for coronary artery disease because obesity can lead to a variety of health issues that increase the burden on the cardiovascular system. Obese individuals may have heightened levels of fat and cholesterol in their blood, contributing to atherosclerosis, the narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup. The extra weight also makes the heart work harder, pushing blood through additional miles of blood vessels, which can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure) and contribute to the strain on the heart. Moreover, obesity is closely linked with other risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as diabetes, high blood triglycerides, and a generally increased level of inflammation throughout the body.
The condition of coronary artery disease is often a result of underlying atherosclerosis, which starts early in life as fatty "streaks" in the blood vessels and progresses over time. Major risk factors, including obesity, positively correlate with the advancement of this disease. Lifestyle modifications, including adopting healthy eating habits and regular physical activity, alongside medication, may help in managing or reducing the risks associated with obesity and coronary artery disease.