What is the focus of management for patients with coronary artery disease?

The primary focus of management for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is risk factor modification. This approach includes addressing modifiable risk factors, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking cessation, obesity, diabetes management, and promoting a heart-healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise. By targeting these risk factors, healthcare providers aim to slow the progression of the disease, reduce the risk of acute cardiovascular events, and improve overall cardiovascular health.

While other management strategies, such as surgical interventions or medication adjustments, may be necessary for certain patients, they are considered after optimizing risk factor management. Routine surveillance imaging is typically not the first line of management for CAD and is generally used for specific cases rather than as a standard practice in all patients with the disease. Thus, focusing on risk factor modification is foundational for long-term management and prevention of complications associated with coronary artery disease.