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Coronary heart disease, or coronary artery disease (CAD), is characterized by inflammation and the buildup of and fatty deposits along the innermost layer of the coronary arteries. Coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. Like all other tissues in the body, the heart muscle needs oxygen-rich blood to function, and oxygen-depleted blood must be carried away. The coronary arteries run along the outside of the heart and have small branches that supply blood to the heart muscle. Since coronary arteries deliver blood to the heart muscle, any coronary artery disorder or disease can reduce the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the heart, which may lead to a heart attack and possibly death.
Atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common form of cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is the hardening of a blood vessel from a buildup of arterial plaque, causing the blood vessel walls to narrow and limiting blood supply to the heart. Plaque is made of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and calcium. It builds on the inside lining of arteries. This causes the artery to narrow and harden. It affects large and medium-sized arteries. As plaque builds up, it can slow and even stop blood flow. This means the tissue supplied by the affected artery is cut off from its blood supply. This often leads to pain or decreased function. This condition can cause several serious health problems. Depending on the location of the blockage, it can cause coronary heart disease (a loss of blood to areas of the heart), stroke (a loss of blood to areas of the brain), and/or peripheral vascular disease, characterized by leg pain with walking.
Risk factors of CAD exist among many individuals in the general population, which include hypertension, lipids and lipoproteins metabolism disturbances, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, age, gender, lifestyle, cigarette smoking, diet, obesity, and family history. Usually asymptomatic or Chest pain (angina may occur).
Diagnostic screening can vary from blood tests: to check the levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (Good cholesterol), EKG, Stress Test, and Cardiac catheterization. Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Treatment may also include medications, such as drugs to interfere with the formation of blood clots, like aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix); drugs to control blood pressure, if elevated; drugs to lower cholesterol, if elevated; and medicines that improve the flow of blood through narrowed arteries, such as cilostazol (Pletal) or pentoxifylline (Trental).
For some people, lifestyle changes may be the only treatment needed for atherosclerosis. Eating a healthy diet that should be low in saturated fat and cholesterol and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Patients should exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and lose weight if they are overweight.
My artwork shows significant damage of build-up plaque in the arterial walls and can lead to potential severe heart problems or stroke.
References:
Authors. (2022). Atherosclerosis: Recent developments. Cell, 188(7), 1234–1248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2022.02.016
Crowther, M. A. (2005). Pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Hematology: American Society of Hematology Education Program, 2005(1), 436–441. https://doi.org/10.1182/asheducation-2005.1.436:contentReference[oaicite:1] {index=1}
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Coronary heart disease. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronary-heart-disease
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024, September 20). Arteriosclerosis / atherosclerosis – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arteriosclerosis-atherosclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350569
Rosenblum, L., Puzanov, I., & Knight, J. A. (2005). Pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Hematology: American Society of Hematology Education Program, 2005(1), 436–441. https://doi.org/10.1182/asheducation-2005.1.436
Rosenblum, L., Puzanov, I., & Knight, J. A. (2024). Atherosclerosis. Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health. Research Starters. (https://research-ebsco-com.uaf.idm.oclc.org/c/qg64q2/viewer/html/lolih3hfsz)
Shao, C., Wang, J., Tian, J., & Tang, Y.-d. (2020). Coronary artery disease: From mechanism to clinical practice. In Coronary artery disease: Therapeutics and drug discovery (pp. 1–36). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-2517-9_1
Aima’s STEAM project focuses on coronary heart disease (atherosclerosis). This condition occurs when plaque made of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and calcium builds up inside the arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. This buildup reduces or blocks blood flow and limits the oxygen supply to the heart and other tissues. It primarily affects medium and large arteries. This narrowing and hardening can lead to serious issues, including heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease. Common risk factors for CAD include hypertension, disturbances in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, cigarette smoking, poor diet, obesity, and a family history of heart disease. Diagnosis may involve blood tests, EKGs, stress tests, or cardiac catheterization. Treatment often includes medications to lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, and improve blood flow, along with lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. Overall, Aima did a great job on her project! It was very informative, and I really liked how her art is displayed.