Coronary Artery Disease

What causes coronary artery disease? 

Coronary artery disease is caused by atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries due to old age. In atherosclerosis, plaque build-up in the arteries is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances from the blood.

Plaque build-up in the arteries often begins in childhood. Over time, plaque build-up in the coronary arteries can:

• Narrow the arteries, reducing the amount of blood and oxygen reaching the heart muscles
• Block the arteries completely which stops the flow of blood to the heart muscle
• Cause blood clots to form which can block the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.
  
  

What are the risk factors for coronary artery disease?

The risk factors that can contribute to coronary artery disease include:

• Diabetes mellitus
• High blood pressure
  
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
  
• Sedentary lifestyle and a lack of physical activity
• Smoking