Lifestyle Interventions
More than 90% of all cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths are thought to be preventable through lifestyle changes. In the INTERHEART study, a case-control study of myocardial infarction (MI) in 52…
Obesity and the Obesity Paradox
Introduction After smoking, obesity is probably the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States and most of the westernized world. The estimated prevalence of obesity is almost…
Goals of Therapy
By its definition, chronic stable coronary artery disease (CAD) refers predominantly to patients who have a prior history of or current demonstrable obstructive atherosclerotic disease of the epicardial coronary arteries…
Lipid Measurements
Introduction Atheromatous plaque in arterial wall is the pathologic substrate for myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke and is intimately related to the deposition of oxidized lipids from the circulation into…
History and Physical Examination
Introduction Despite continuing technological advances in cardiovascular medicine, the history and physical examination remain vital to establish an accurate diagnosis of chronic coronary artery disease (CAD). Whereas many patients may…
ECG and Standard Exercise Stress Testing
Introduction The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) has remained the standard initial evaluation tool in patients with suspected or known ischemic and electrophysiologic cardiac conditions for more than half a century. With…
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction
Introduction Atherosclerotic disease of the epicardial coronary arteries has been recognized as the cause of angina pectoris for more than 2 centuries, and sudden thrombotic occlusion of an epicardial coronary…
Precipitants of Myocardial Ischemia
Introduction Myocardial ischemia occurs when the ability to supply oxygen and nutrients to the myocardium is exceeded by the myocardium’s oxygen and nutrient requirements. The heart is primarily an aerobic…
Standard and Novel Biomarkers
Introduction Several diagnostic tools exist to clinically assess the prevalence and severity of coronary heart disease and to enhance the ability to identify the “vulnerable” patient at risk of developing…
Epidemiology of Chronic Coronary Artery Disease
Introduction Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death and disability in developed countries. Although CAD mortality rates worldwide have declined over the past 4 decades, CAD remains…
