Abstract
Fifty percent of all death from cardiovascular diseases is due to coronary artery
disease (CAD). This is avoidable if early identification is made. Preventive health
care has a major role in the fight against CAD. Atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic
plaque rupture are involved in the development of CAD. Modifiable risk factors for
CAD are dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, cigarette smoking, obesity, chronic
renal disease, chronic infection, high C-reactive protein, and hyperhomocysteinemia.
CAD can be prevented by modification of risk factors. This paper defines the primary,
secondary, and tertiary prevention of CAD. It discusses the mechanism of risk factor–induced
atherosclerosis. This paper describes the CAD risk score and its use in the selection
of individuals for primary prevention of CAD. Guidelines for primary, secondary, and
tertiary prevention of CAD have been described. Modification of risk factors and use
of guidelines for prevention of CAD would prevent, regress, and slow down the progression
of CAD, improve the quality of life of patient, and reduce the health care cost.
Keywords
atherosclerosis - coronary artery disease - modifiable risk factors of CAD - guidelines
for prevention - primary prevention - secondary prevention - tertiary prevention -
quality of life
