Etiology/Pathophysiology of CAD

As we all know, from the incessant repetitions from our parents and teachers back in the days of yore, we must always exercise and eat healthy.  "But I'm not overweight and look perfectly healthy!"  Yes, yes you do, however, there are more reasons to exercise and eat right than you think!  There are also other factors that play into the development of CAD, such as smoking, eating foods with high fats/cholesterol/sugar, and high blood pressure (1) .  This video shows what happens and what causes CAD: 

Etiology/Signs and Symptoms of CAD:

Basically, not exercising, eating the wrong foods, smoking, etc, all have the ability to damage the heart and arterial wall.  Once the arterial wall is damaged, it causes lipids to accumulate, forming a plaque.  Once the plaque accumulates, it narrows the artery(s) over time, which can cause a plethora of problems over time, such as myocardial infarction! 

Pathophysiology of CAD: 

What may happen when your coronary arteries are totally blocked?  Well, for one, your heart tissue can die from the lack of oxygen.  A thrombus can develop when the plaque ruptures, which causes red blood cells to aggregate and block the already tight arterial space even further.  A piece of the thrombus can also break away, which is called an embolism and block oxygenation distal parts of the coronary artery (2).   This is what many would a heart attack or myocardial infarction.  This can easily cause death if not treated promptly, but would be even better if preventative measures were put in place years beyond the condition!  That is why education and putting that knowledge into action is so important.  Yes, I know it is the hardest thing to get up and go for a little exercise or avoid that ever so delicious cheese burger, but is that little bit of gratification worth the long term risks or death?  You may snicker and respond "YOLO".  In which case that is the truth, you only do live once, but would you prefer a shorter life or longer one? 

Works Cited

(1) What Causes Coronary Heart Disease? (2014, September 29). Retrieved January 23, 2015 from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cad/causes 

(2)Prizel KR, Hutchins GM, Bulkley BH. Coronary artery embolism and myocardial infarction. Ann Intern Med 1978; 88: 155-161