Stents by Abigail Sossen

Coronary Artery Disease and Risk Factors

Coronary artery disease is marked by a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. Plaque is composed of lipids/triglycerides, calcium deposits, white blood cells, and cellular debris. The buildup of plaque stimulates an immune response leading to the development of atherosclerotic lesions through a process known as atherosclerosis. Coronary arteries supply blood to the myocardium, which is the muscle responsible for pumping blood to the rest of the body. The occlusion of the coronary arteries can lead to angina (chest pain) and heart attack (myocardial infarction). Risk factors for the disease include:

• High LDL or “bad cholesterol” (triglycerides in the blood) • Low HDL or “good” cholesterol • High blood pressure (hypertension) • Smoking • Obesity • Lack of exercise • Stress • Diabetes • Poor diet • Sleep apnea • Depression • Family history