The term coronary artery disease refers to chronic “distress” of the coronary arteries, the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, in most cases brought about by atherosclerotic pathology and, less frequently, by other conditions that can cause arterial wall spasm, inflammation or other alterations.
Before the age of 55-60 years, coronary artery disease mainly affects men, as women benefit from the cardiovascular protection offered by female hormones (estrogen).
After menopause, the incidence of coronary artery disease aligns in the two sexes, to become prevalent among women after age 75, mainly because of their longer average life expectancy than that of the male population.
Despite more accurate and earlier diagnosis and the marked improvement in preventive strategies and emergency interventions at acute coronary events over the past two decades, coronary artery disease remains to this day the leading cause of death in Western countries and is increasingly prevalent in emerging economies, mainly due to the adoption of inadequate lifestyles.
