Coronary artery disease: a review of risk factors

ABSTRACT

An attempt is made to review the relationship between coronary artery disease [CAD] and its risk factors. The major risk factor for CAD is endothelial dysfunction, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, increased insulin resistance, and hyperhomocysteinemia. The other factors such as genetic, constitutional, environmental, gender, ethnicity, social support, increased fat and caloric intake, decreased physical activity and associated changes [increased inflammatory markers, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress] are also associated with increased risk for CAD in elderly. Special emphasis is given to the factors such as, psychosocial, life style, environmental, genetic, immunological, free radical species, gender, menopause, anemia, comorhidity, hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, renal disease, pulmonary disease, side effects of therapeutic drugs and radiation