Coronary Artery Disease: Causes

Coronary artery disease (CAD) seems to be caused by damage to coronary arteries. A variety of factors can contribute to artery damage, including:

• Smoking
• Excess fats and cholesterol in the blood
• High blood pressure
• Excess sugar in the blood (often due to diabetes)

Once the arteries are damaged, the body responds by releasing compounds into the arteries that can cause plaque buildup in areas where the arteries are damaged. This plaque constricts the arteries, making it difficult for blood and oxygen to be transported to the body and to the heart.

Blood clots can also form at sites of heavy plaque buildup. When the blood clots form, the condition is worsened since the arteries are narrowed even more.

This information has been adapted from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.