Coronary Artery Disease Research
a) The physiological activity that is damaged: gas exchange,
ventilation
Coronary artery disease is caused when there is a buildup of
fatty deposits known as plaque in a coronary artery. These
coronary arteries are responsible for transporting oxygen,
nutrients, and blood to the heart. As a result of this plaque
building up, there is decreased blood flow to the heart which can
lead to many symptoms such as angina and even heart attack at
complete blockage. This process can take place over many
decades where these cholesterol deposits build up. The main
physiological activity that is affected by this is the blood flow
which is vital for smooth functioning of the body.
b) The cell type(s) damaged
In coronary arteries, a variety of different cell types are
damaged. Firstly, the endothelium that lines the inside of the
artery is damaged by the fatty deposits. This damaged
endothelium is eroded away and leaves the smooth muscle cells
underneath them exposed. The smooth muscle tissue here is
corroded with its debris located inside the plaque deposits. As a
result of this, muscle tissue is lost due to the fatty deposits which
would require the services of platelets to repair the damage. This
specific problem is known as atherosclerosis which is a main
leadoff symptom based off of coronary artery disease.
c) The patient group(s) most at risk
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People with high blood pressure/ cholesterol and diabetes
Unhealthy weight and diet
Substance use (e.g. smoking)
Overconsumption of alcohol
Stress and depression
Age and family history
Gender
Personal Circumstances (access to healthy practices)
d) Treatment options
The treatment can range for simple lifestyle changes or even the
use of drugs and procedures.
Lifestyle
● Quit smoking
● Healthier diet
● Regular exercise
● Weight loss
● Reducing stress
Drugs
● Cholesterol-modifying medications
● Aspirin
● Beta blockers
● Calcium channel blockers
● Ranolazine
Procedures
● Coronary artery bypass surgery
● Angioplasty and stent placement
e) Links to support groups
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronary-artery-di
sease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350619​ - Medical Information
https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/conditions/coronaryartery-disease​ - Medical Information
https://www.healthline.com/health/coronary-artery-disease/treatin
g-cad#medications​ - Medical Information
https://www.dailystrength.org/group/coronary-heart-disease​ Support Group
https://www.drugs.com/answers/support-group/coronary-artery-di
sease-cad/​ - Support Group
https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/recovery-and-suppo
rt​ - Support Foundation