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Risk Factors in Coronary Artery Disease

Discussion: Standard CAD Biochemical Risk Factors

Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol are considered the classical biochemical risk factors for coronary artery disease. Biochemical risk factors for coronary artery disease are determined by laboratory testing. These biochemical risk factors are described above in Table 3.

Several studies support the benefits of lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels to decrease the risk for developing cardiovascular disease. It has been reported that the majority of people who experience myocardial infarction have the same blood cholesterol values as those who do not. Also half of the myocardial infarctions in the United States occur among the individuals with moderate to low risk as determined by assessment of total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol.[9]

LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol are key factors in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Increased LDL cholesterol levels and decreased HDL cholesterol levels are associated with increased risk for coronary heart disease.[8]

Increased levels of triglycerides are not a risk factor on their own. However, there is evidence that the triglyceride is a synergistic coronary artery disease risk factor. High triglyceride levels along with high LDL levels and low HDL levels suggest some underlying pathologic process, which indicates a high risk for coronary artery disease. [10,] [11]