Coronary Artery Disease ; Risk factors

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major public health issue in the United Kingdom, with a significant impact on both morbidity and mortality. As the leading cause of death in the country, CAD affects over 2 million individuals, highlighting its widespread prevalence (Khan et al., 2020). The disease is particularly common in the aging population, where advancing age serves as a key risk factor (BELLOUCHE, 2023). CAD also represents a significant burden within specific groups, such as the UK Armed Forces, where it is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death and a frequent cause of medical discharge (Parsons et al., 2015). The high prevalence of CAD, combined with its complex array of risk factors—including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and lifestyle factors—underscores the need for targeted public health interventions and clinical awareness.

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) refers specifically to the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. This can lead to angina, myocardial infarction, or other complications.

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• Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is often used interchangeably with CAD but encompasses all diseases related to the coronary arteries, including heart attacks and long-term effects like heart failure.

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• Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is...