The major cause of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the buildup of plaque in the walls of the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances that circulate in the blood. Over time, the plaque can build up and narrow the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through. This can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, heart attack, and even death.
Other risk factors for CAD include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, family history, age, and physical inactivity. High levels of “bad” cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, increase the risk of plaque build-up, as do high levels of triglycerides, another type of fat found in the blood.
In addition, a diet high in saturated fats and trans fats can increase the risk of CAD. Eating too much salt and not enough fruits and vegetables can also increase the risk of CAD. Lastly, stress can be an important factor in the development of CAD, as it can raise blood pressure and cause other changes in the body that can contribute to plaque build-up.