Coronary artery disease (CAD) refers to atherosclerotic narrowing of the epicardial coronary arteries. It can manifest as chest discomfort (angina) due to myocardial (heart) ischemia or as acute coronary syndrome (heart attack). Typical angina exhibits substernal chest tightness, pressure, or heaviness that frequently radiates to the jaw, back, or arms and generally lasts from 2 to 15 minutes. It can occur with exertion, emotional stress, or exercise. If you have any of those symptoms, you should go to the emergency room. CAD is the leading cause of death for adults both in the United States and worldwide. Below are some risk factors and general preventive measures. However, you should see a doctor to have routine blood work to make sure you do not have high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, or renal disease. A doctor can also help you lose weight if needed, or stop smoking if needed. Do not start an exercise regimen until approved so by your doctor. Aspirin (75 to 162 mg/day) decreases risk of first MI and reduces adverse cardiovascular events in those with stable angina. The benefits significantly outweigh the risk. • Traditional risk factors: hypertension (high blood pressure), High cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, premature CAD in 1st-degree relatives (men 45 for men, 55 for women) • Nontraditional risk factors: obesity, sedentary lifestyle, renal disease GENERAL PREVENTION • Smoking cessation • Regular aerobic exercise program • Weight loss for obese patients (goal BMI • BP control (goal • Diabetes management • Lipid-lowering therapy (statins) for those with diabetes, known CAD, and for 10-year risk ≥7.5% • Low-dose aspirin