FEATURED MEDICAL EDUCATION TOPIC: Coronary Artery Disease—Prevention and Treatment

What is the problem?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Coronary artery disease (CAD) accounts for nearly 1 in 5 deaths each year, and is the most common form, affecting about 1 in 20 adults. Over time, CAD can weaken the heart muscle and may lead to heart failure or arrhythmia. Risk factors for coronary artery disease are high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, family history, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and increased age.  Management of CAD involves lifestyle changes, medication, and possibly procedures like stents or bypass surgery. It is important for physicians to optimally manage patients with coronary artery disease, recognizing signs and symptoms and using the latest treatment guidelines.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learners will be able to:

• Identify modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease and determine which patients are at highest risk
• Apply current clinical trial data and guidelines to the management of CAD, including primary and secondary prevention
• Describe evidence-based diagnostic methods and treatment strategies including pharmacologic and interventional approaches
• Address cultural considerations, gender disparities, and implicit bias in the prevalence and treatment of CAD

If your medical staff needs an update on coronary artery disease, consider contacting our office to book a speaker at 877-505-4777 or info@speakersnetwork.com.

REFERENCES

https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html#:~:text=Coronary%20artery%20disease%20(CAD),3

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/coronary-heart-disease