Despite ongoing advances in imaging and treatment, coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the most common of all heart diseases, responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality. Although CAD is considered a disease affecting senior citizens, it accounts for roughly one in every six deaths from cardiovascular diseases in adults 65 years and younger, according to 2023 data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Heart Association reports that one in 20 adults over age 19 have CAD—about 5% of Americans.
To combat this persistent challenge, cardiologists have developed an arsenal ranging from recent advances in lesion assessment to the newest preventive strategies. Precision imaging, specialized devices, and extensive research into CAD’s genetic and inflammatory contributors are supporting the global effort to advance care for patients with CAD.
The nine review articles in this issue of the Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal explore the current understanding of CAD and share the most contemporary approaches to its management—from using polygenic risk scores and an annual vaccine-type treatment to delay CAD onset, to upstream measurement of absolute myocardial perfusion using cardiac PET or CMR to avoid overtreatment of the LAD. I have immense gratitude for the expert authors who have contributed their knowledge and insights here, and I am especially grateful to our guest editors, Dr. Nadeen Faza and Dr. Joe Aoun, for their expertise, guidance, and dedication while curating this timely issue on coronary artery disease and its management.
In addition to the valuable information shared here, I remind readers of the many topics featured in the Journal archives. You also will find many learning resources in our Special Collections of videos, case reports, and interactive CME cases. And we invite you to submit case reports. If you haven’t already signed up to receive our e-newsletter, be sure to subscribe now
Miguel A. Quiñones, MD, MACC, FASE
Editor-in-Chief
Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal
Winters Family Distinguished Centennial Chair
in Cardiovascular Education, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center