```DISEASE OF CARDIAC SYSTEM``` *```Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)*``` Also called *Ischemic Heart Disease*, it is the most common type of heart disease. *Definition:* CAD is a condition in which the *coronary arteries* (which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle) become *narrowed or blocked* due to *atherosclerosis*—a buildup of *plaque* (cholesterol, fat, and other substances). *Pathophysiology:* 1. *Endothelial injury* occurs due to factors like smoking, hypertension, or diabetes. 2. *LDL cholesterol* deposits beneath the endothelium, triggering inflammation. 3. *Plaque formation* leads to narrowing of the arteries. 4. *Reduced blood flow* to heart muscle → ischemia. 5. If a plaque ruptures, it can cause *clot formation (thrombosis)* → complete blockage → *Myocardial Infarction (heart attack).* *Signs and Symptoms:* - *Chest pain (Angina)* – especially during exertion - *Shortness of breath* - *Fatigue* - *Palpitations* - *Dizziness* - *Heart attack symptoms*: severe chest pain, sweating, nausea *Management:* *Lifestyle:* - Low-fat, heart-healthy diet - Exercise - Smoking cessation - Weight control *Medications:* - Antiplatelets (Aspirin) - Statins (reduce cholesterol) - Beta-blockers (reduce heart workload) - Nitrates (relieve angina) - ACE inhibitors (improve heart function) *Procedures:* - *Angioplasty + stent* - *Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)* *Diagnostic Tests:* - *ECG*: detects ischemic changes - *Stress Test*: evaluates heart function under stress - *Echocardiography*: checks heart pumping ability - *Coronary Angiography*: gold standard to view blockages - *Cardiac CT Scan*: calcium scoring