Causes of Coronary Heart Disease
Causes of coronary heart disease are primarily linked to atherosclerosis—a condition where fatty deposits build up on the inner lining of the coronary arteries. These deposits, known as plaques, consist of cholesterol, calcium, and cellular debris. Over time, coronary heart disease develops as these plaques thicken and restrict blood flow to the heart muscle, reducing oxygen supply and increasing the risk of heart attacks.
Lifestyle Factors
Smoking is one of the most significant preventable causes. It damages the artery walls and accelerates plaque formation.
Unhealthy diet, particularly one high in saturated fats, trans fats, and refined sugars, contributes to high cholesterol levels, which directly lead to plaque development.
Physical inactivity reduces cardiovascular efficiency and contributes to weight gain and insulin resistance.
Chronic stress leads to increased blood pressure and promotes behaviours such as overeating or smoking.
Medical Conditions | Causes of Coronary Heart Disease
Several pre-existing health issues are known to contribute to the onset of coronary heart disease:
High blood pressure puts constant strain on the artery walls, making them more susceptible to damage and plaque accumulation.
High cholesterol levels, especially LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, are strongly associated with atherosclerosis.
Type 2 diabetes increases inflammation in the arteries and promotes the formation of plaques.
Obesity, especially central obesity (fat around the waist), is associated with higher triglyceride levels and insulin resistance.
Genetics and Age | Causes of Coronary Heart Disease
A family history of coronary heart disease increases individual risk, especially if a close relative was diagnosed at a young age.
Ageing naturally stiffens arteries and contributes to wear and tear, raising the likelihood of plaque build-up.
Hormonal and Other Factors
Postmenopausal women are at increased risk due to a drop in oestrogen levels.
Sleep apnoea, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammation can also exacerbate the risk.
To summarise, causes of coronary heart disease are multifactorial, involving both lifestyle habits and underlying medical conditions. Prevention and early management of these risk factors are critical to reducing the development and progression of the disease.
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