Evolution and Outcomes of Premature Coronary Artery Disease.

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to explore the evolution and outcomes of premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) while reviewing strategies for effective screening of those at high risk for developing this disease. Premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) affects a population of patients not typically identified as high risk by current risk stratification guidelines or traditional risk calculation tools. Not only does PCAD represent a large proportion of overall cardiovascular disease, it also afflicts a population in which the rate of mortality from cardiovascular disease has plateaued despite an overall declining population-wide cardiovascular mortality rate. There is ample opportunity for behavioral change strategies, screening tools, adapted imaging modalities, and precision pharmacotherapies to be more precisely targeted toward those at highest risk for premature coronary artery disease. Premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) is pervasive and not frequently represented within contemporary risk calculation models. Providers should pursue proactive screening and aggressive risk factor modification and deploy appropriate preventative therapies in caring for younger populations.