Suggestions

Permission for Use

Risk Factors in Coronary Artery Disease

Harleen Jaggi, BS, MT (ASCP), CLS (NCA),
Ellen Hope Kearns, MS, SH(ASCP)H

Overview

This case discusses cardiovascular risk factors and describes the role of the laboratory in identifying these risk factors and thus participating in patient care. This case is of interest to health care professionals and students, patients and their families.

Relevant disciplines include nursing, physician assistant, and clinical laboratory sciences.

Suggested prerequisite terminology:
atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease (CAD), low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL), lipoprotein(a), homocysteine, myocardial infarction (MI), electrocardiogram (ECG), exercise treadmill test (ETT), gradient gel electrophoresis (GGE), LDL subparticles.

Objectives

• Describe atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
• List non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors that slowly lead to the development of coronary artery disease.
• Define biochemical risk factors for cardiac disease.
• Identify a treatment plan to manage the risk factors.
• Discuss the usefulness of early detection of coronary artery disease at the presymtomatic phase.