How are common forms of coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension (HTN) classified?

Common forms of coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension (HTN) are classified as complex disorders resulting from gene-environment interactions. This classification recognizes that both genetic predispositions and environmental factors, such as lifestyle choices, diet, and exposure to stress, significantly influence the development of these conditions.

In the context of CAD and HTN, genetic factors may include variations in genes that affect lipid metabolism, inflammation, and blood pressure regulation. Meanwhile, environmental factors encompass a wide range of influences, including diet (high sodium, low potassium), physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, and stress. The interplay between these genetic susceptibility and environmental lifestyle factors is crucial in understanding the risk and progression of these diseases.

This complex interaction underscores the notion that both inherited genetic traits and modifiable lifestyle factors contribute to the overall risk profile of an individual for developing CAD and HTN, making simple categorizations inadequate.