Pathophysiology
Atherosclerosis narrows coronary lumen, reducing blood flow. Ischemia when oxygen demand exceeds supply. Plaque rupture triggers thrombosis — unstable angina or MI.
Risk Factors
Modifiable: HTN, hyperlipidemia, smoking, diabetes, obesity, inactivity. Non-modifiable: age, male, family history, post-menopausal. Metabolic syndrome triples CAD risk.
Nursing Management
Lifestyle: smoking cessation, Mediterranean diet, 150 min/week exercise, weight mgmt. Meds: statins (LDL <70), aspirin, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors. Revascularization: PCI or CABG. Cardiac rehab.
Important Notes
- Women, elderly, and diabetic patients may present with atypical symptoms (fatigue, nausea, jaw pain).
- Stop statins if muscle pain with dark urine — rhabdomyolysis is a rare but serious side effect.
Clinical Tips
- Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelets for 7-10 days — stop 5-7 days before surgery.
- Statin therapy reduces CV events by 25-35% — primary prevention for high-risk patients.
Summary
Coronary artery disease management combines lifestyle modification, medication therapy, and revascularization.
