Coronary artery disease death
Searched over 200M research papers
Summary
10 papers analyzed
These studies suggest coronary artery disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, with significant risk factors and advancements in treatment, yet it remains incurable and requires ongoing research and personalized approaches.
Not a yes or no question
To use the Consensus Meter, try asking a simple yes or no question
Research summarized with Copilot
Beta20 papers analyzed
Coronary Artery Disease Death: An Overview
Introduction to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death globally, affecting both developed and developing countries. It is characterized by the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis, which can lead to insufficient blood supply to the heart . CAD is responsible for a significant proportion of sudden cardiac deaths (SCD), particularly in individuals under the age of 50.
Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease
Several risk factors contribute to the development of CAD, including lifestyle choices, environmental influences, and genetic predispositions. Common risk factors include diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidemia, obesity, homocystinuria, and psychosocial stress. Genome-wide association studies have identified specific genetic loci, such as chromosome 9p21.3, that are associated with an increased risk of premature CAD .
CAD and Sudden Cardiac Death
CAD is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD), particularly in younger populations. Studies have shown that a significant number of SCD victims under the age of 50 have undiagnosed CAD, with many exhibiting silent myocardial infarctions upon autopsy. The prevalence of CAD as a cause of SCD increases with age, particularly after 35 years, and is more common in men.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Tools
Accurate diagnosis and risk stratification are crucial for managing CAD. Multidetector coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) has proven valuable in predicting all-cause mortality by assessing the extent and severity of coronary artery stenosis. CCTA can identify patients at higher risk of death, with those showing less than 50% stenosis having the highest survival rates.
Therapeutic Approaches
The management of CAD involves both medical and surgical interventions. Medical treatments include antiplatelet agents, nitrates, β-blockers, calcium antagonists, and ranolazine, which help alleviate symptomatic angina . Revascularization procedures, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), are also critical, especially in patients with severe stenosis.
Genetic Insights and Future Directions
Recent advances in genetic research have identified numerous loci associated with CAD, shedding light on the disease's underlying mechanisms. These discoveries have the potential to inform the development of new therapeutics and enable precision medicine approaches, targeting specific genetic profiles for more effective treatment and prevention .
Conclusion
Coronary artery disease remains a major global health challenge, with significant implications for morbidity and mortality. Understanding the risk factors, improving diagnostic tools, and advancing therapeutic strategies are essential for reducing the burden of CAD. Continued research, particularly in genetics, holds promise for more personalized and effective interventions in the future.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
