What type of condition would a patient with a family history of CAD and personal smoking habits likely be at risk for?

Prepare for the ScribeAmerica Hospitalist Exam. Dive into flashcards, multiple-choice questions with hints and detailed explanations. Master the exam!

A patient with a family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and personal smoking habits is likely at increased risk for a heart attack. This risk correlates with the underlying pathophysiology of CAD, which involves the buildup of plaques in the coronary arteries, ultimately leading to decreased blood flow to the heart muscle. Smoking compounds this risk significantly by contributing to endothelial damage, promoting inflammation, and causing elevated cholesterol levels, all of which can exacerbate the development of atherosclerosis.

In the context of these two risk factors—family history and smoking—the likelihood of myocardial infarction, or heart attack, increases as these factors are well-documented contributors to the incidence of acute coronary events. While conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory infections, and stroke are indeed influenced by smoking and genetic predisposition, heart attacks have a more direct and immediate association with the combination of these risk factors, making it the most relevant concern in this scenario.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy