What is Coronary Artery Disease - Mechanism of Disease - Visitor YouTube Channel

What is Coronary Artery Disease - Mechanism of Disease

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), also known as ischemic heart disease (IHD), occurs when the coronary arteries—the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle—become narrowed or blocked, usually due to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup). This impairs blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart muscle, which can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attacks (myocardial infarction), or even sudden cardiac death. Key Risk Factors for CAD 1. Hypertension (high blood pressure) 2. High LDL cholesterol / Low HDL cholesterol 3. Smoking 4. Diabetes mellitus 5. Sedentary lifestyle 6. Obesity 7. Family History of CAD 8. Chronic stress Non-communicable diseases like ischemic heart disease and stroke are leading causes of early death in Pakistan. Factors include poor diet, lack of exercise, and limited access to healthcare.