Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a type of cardiovascular disease that affects the arteries supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart. It is the leading cause of death in the United States and many other countries. There are many risk factors associated with CAD, but the biggest cause is atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque builds up in the artery walls, narrowing the space available for blood to flow. This narrowing can cause blockages that can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Other risk factors for CAD include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. These risk factors can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, making it even more likely for a person to suffer a heart attack or stroke.
It is important to manage these risk factors to reduce your risk of developing CAD. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent plaque buildup. Quitting smoking and controlling other health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can also help reduce the risk of developing CAD.