What is coronary artery disease most commonly caused by?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To approach the question, we consider what underlies the typical development of coronary artery disease and how the answer options fit or fail to fit that concept.
Option 1: atherosclerosis. This choice points to the buildup of plaques within the coronary arteries, which narrows vessels and reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. Over time, this process is the primary driver of CAD, making it the most accurate choice.
Option 2: infarction. An infarction is a consequence that can result from CAD when a plaque ruptures and a clot occludes a coronary artery, leading to tissue death. However, infarction is not the initial cause of CAD; it is a potential severe outcome of advanced disease, not the disease’s root cause.
Option 3: edema. Edema refers to fluid accumulation, often seen in heart failure or kidney or liver problems. It is not a causative mechanism for coronary artery disease; instead, it relates to symptoms or complications elsewhere, not the primary etiologic process of CAD.
Option 4: congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure (CHF) describes a clinical syndrome from various heart problems, including CAD, hypertension, or cardiomyopathies. While CAD can contribute to CHF, CHF itself is not the cause of CAD and does not explain the atherosclerotic changes in the coronary arteries.
In summary, the core pathophysiology of coronary artery disease centers on the atherogenic process within the coronary arteries, whereas the other options describe outcomes, consequences, or related conditions rather than the initiating cause.

hk_264_120258_248438 Chapter 8 Self Test: Circulatory (Cardio/vascular) System

What is coronary artery disease most commonly caused by?

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