According to the National Institutes of Health, coronary disease (also known as coronary artery disease, or CAD) is not only the most prevalent type of heart disease, but it is also responsible for more deaths in the U.S. than any other disease. Coronary disease can cause angina, heart failure or even a heart attack. It is caused by a buildup of plaque on the inner walls of the blood vessels, which can either decrease their elasticity or break off to form a clot. Often, the plaque buildup is due to hereditary and lifestyle factors.
High Cholesterol
The American Heart Association reports that when cholesterol rises, so does the risk for coronary disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, high cholesterol levels (particularly high LDL levels, sometimes called "bad cholesterol") can increase the amount of plaque that builds up on blood vessel walls. Cholesterol levels can be partially controlled by diet; however, high levels may also be hereditary or affected by age.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association, increases the heart's workload, which decreases its elasticity. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute defines high blood pressure as remaining at or greater than 140/90 consistently. Other coronary disease risk factors such as obesity or diabetes, when combined with high blood pressure, increase the risk of a heart attack even more.
Obesity
People who carry excessive weight increase the workload on their hearts. According to the American Heart Association, when this excess weight is concentrated in the belly, the risk for coronary disease is even greater. Obesity not only increases the burden of the heart, but it also makes a person more susceptible to other coronary disease risk factors, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. The American Heart Association reports that even a weight loss of 10 lbs can decrease the risk for coronary disease in obese people.
Diabetes
Diabetes, especially when blood sugars are not well controlled, is another major risk factor for coronary disease. In fact, the American Heart Association reports that up to 75 percent of people with diabetes eventually die from coronary disease. Diabetes increases the risk both directly and indirectly, as it also contributes to obesity and high blood pressure.
Stress
Stress is another example of a direct and indirect cause of coronary disease. Stress can increase blood pressure, and may lead to overeating or smoking, according to the American Heart Association. It also directly affects blood vessels. In fact, the Mayo Clinic reports that consistent, unrelenting stress can actually cause damage to arteries.
Smoking
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, smoking causes blood vessels to tighten, and it also damages heart and blood vessel tissues. Smokers are two to four times more likely than nonsmokers to develop coronary disease. While cigarettes cause more damage, pipe and cigar smoking also increase the risk. Consistent exposure to second-hand smoke, according to the American Heart Association, also greatly increases the risk of nonsmokers developing coronary disease.
Heavy Alcohol Use
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can not only damage the heart tissue, but can also increase blood pressure and the risk of obesity. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a safe level of drinking for men is two alcoholic beverages a day. For women, the number of safe drinks per day is one. Anything greater increases the risk for developing coronary disease.
