Risk factors for CAD include

high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, obesity and physical

inactivity. Consensus is that people with CAD can benefit from modifying

their diet to one that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and adding

exercise.

Recent research has shown that

even moderate amounts of physical activity can reduce death rates from

CAD. Medications-such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers-have

also proven to be beneficial.

A new therapy is on the horizon.

Gene therapy introduces DNA into the patient's own cells which apparently

stimulates the production of a natural protein that seems to initiate

formation of new blood vessels. These new vessels may nourish the oxygen

deprived heart muscle.

Dr. Douglas W. Losordo, an

interventional cardiologist and thought leader in the area of gene therapy

for the treatment of heart disease at Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical

Center in Boston is evaluating gene therapy as a viable option for CAD

patients. His studies, which will ultimately include more patients, are

testing a gene-therapy formulation called Vascular Endothelial Growth

Factor 2 being developed by Corautus Genetics Inc.

VEGF-2 is a vascular growth

factor gene believed to stimulate the growth and migration of cells essential

to the development of new blood vessels. VEGF-2 therapy proposes to treat

severe coronary artery disease through direct injection into oxygen deficient

cardiac muscle to increase blood flow