Nur 245 Coronary Artery Disease Study
Guide 2026 Update
, Coronary Artery Disease
CAD- A type of blood vessel disorder that we consider in the general category of
atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis- Soft deposits of fat that harden with age. (hardening of the arteries)
Other names for CAD – Cardiovascular heart disease (CVHD), ischemic heart disease (IHD),
Coronary heart disease (CHD), Atherosclerotic heart disease (ASHD).
They may not show signs and symptoms in the early stages it’s a progressive disease and may
not see signs or symptoms until the later stages or until it becomes a problem.
1. Chronic endothelial injury
• HTN
• Tabacco use
• Hyperlipidemia
, • Diabetes
• Infections
• Toxins
• Hyperthromocysteinima
2. Fatty Streak
Lipids accumulate and migrate into the smooth muscle cells.
3. Fibrous Plaque
• Streak lumen is narrowed.
• Blood flow is reduced. Fissures can develop.
• Complicated lesion
4.Complicated lesion (most dangerous stage)
• Plaque rupture
• Thrombus formation
• Further narrowing or total occlusion of vessel.
• Ischemia
• Chest pain
Risk Factors
Nonmodifiable
• Increase in age.
• Gender (Middle age- women over 55 & men over 45
• Ethnicity (white men increased risk)
• Genetics – predisposition / or family hx
• white race
Modifiable
• Serum lipids
• Total cholesterol >200
• Triglycerides >150 (Omega 3 fatty acids reduced triglycerides), ( avoid alcohol/ simple
sugars)
• LDL >130
Guide 2026 Update
, Coronary Artery Disease
CAD- A type of blood vessel disorder that we consider in the general category of
atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis- Soft deposits of fat that harden with age. (hardening of the arteries)
Other names for CAD – Cardiovascular heart disease (CVHD), ischemic heart disease (IHD),
Coronary heart disease (CHD), Atherosclerotic heart disease (ASHD).
They may not show signs and symptoms in the early stages it’s a progressive disease and may
not see signs or symptoms until the later stages or until it becomes a problem.
1. Chronic endothelial injury
• HTN
• Tabacco use
• Hyperlipidemia
, • Diabetes
• Infections
• Toxins
• Hyperthromocysteinima
2. Fatty Streak
Lipids accumulate and migrate into the smooth muscle cells.
3. Fibrous Plaque
• Streak lumen is narrowed.
• Blood flow is reduced. Fissures can develop.
• Complicated lesion
4.Complicated lesion (most dangerous stage)
• Plaque rupture
• Thrombus formation
• Further narrowing or total occlusion of vessel.
• Ischemia
• Chest pain
Risk Factors
Nonmodifiable
• Increase in age.
• Gender (Middle age- women over 55 & men over 45
• Ethnicity (white men increased risk)
• Genetics – predisposition / or family hx
• white race
Modifiable
• Serum lipids
• Total cholesterol >200
• Triglycerides >150 (Omega 3 fatty acids reduced triglycerides), ( avoid alcohol/ simple
sugars)
• LDL >130
