The History of Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide and although often considered a modern disease its origins trace back to ancient civilizations. This historical review explores the evolution of understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of CAD. It will discuss early evidence of atherosclerosis in mummies through pioneers in the field of medical and surgical understanding to innovative surgical and interventional advances in the modern era. The progression of medical therapies, including the discovery and utilization of digitalis, nitrates, aspirin, beta blockers, and statins, is discussed alongside the evolution of catheter-based and surgical interventions such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Future therapies will be briefly discussed. Despite remarkable progress, CAD remains a major public health challenge, emphasizing the importance of continued innovation in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Understanding the historical trajectory of CAD provides critical insights for shaping the future of cardiovascular medicine.