Coronary artery disease begins with damage or injury to the inner layer of the coronary

artery, sometimes since childhood. Several factors can cause damage, including:

 Smoke
 High blood pressure
 High cholesterol
 Diabetes or insulin resistance
 Sedentary lifestyle
Once the inner wall of the artery is damaged, fat deposits (plaque) formed from
cholesterol and other waste products from cells tend to accumulate at the site of the
injury in a process called atherosclerosis. If the surface of the plaque ruptures, blood
cells called platelets will accumulate in place to try to repair the artery. This buildup can
block the artery and cause a heart attack.

Solo poner lo que este marcado en negritas

Age. The simple fact of aging increases the risk of arteries becoming damaged and narrowing.
Sex. In general, men have an increased risk of coronary artery disease. However, women's risk
increases after menopause.
Family background. Family history of heart disease is associated with a higher risk of coronary
artery disease, especially if a close relative had heart disease at an early age. The risk is higher
if your father or brother was diagnosed with heart disease before age 55 or if your mother or
sister manifested it before age 65.
Smoking People who smoke have a significantly higher risk of heart disease. Exposing other
people to passive smoking also increases their risk of coronary artery disease.
High blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause hardening and thickening of
the arteries, which narrows the channel through which blood flows.
High blood cholesterol levels. High blood cholesterol levels may increase the risk of plaque
formation and atherosclerosis. High cholesterol can be produced because of a high level of low
density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as "bad" cholesterol. A low level of high-density
lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as "good" cholesterol, can also contribute to the
development of atherosclerosis.
Diabetes. Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Type 2
diabetes and coronary artery disease share similar risk factors, such as obesity and high blood
pressure.
Overweight or obesity. Usually, excess weight worsens other risk factors.
Lack of physical activity Lack of physical activity is also related to coronary artery disease and
some of its risk factors.
High level of stress Stress without relief in your life can damage your arteries, as well as
worsen other risk factors for coronary artery disease.
Unhealthy eating Eating too many foods with high amounts of saturated fat, trans fat, salt and
sugar may increase the risk of coronary artery disease