What Causes Coronary Artery Disease?
Research suggests that coronary artery disease (CAD)
starts when certain factors damage the inner layers of the coronary arteries.
These factors include:
When damage occurs, your body starts a healing
process. Excess fatty tissues release compounds that promote this process. This
healing causes plaque to build up where the arteries are damaged.
The buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries may
start in childhood. Over time, plaque can narrow or completely block some of
your coronary arteries. This reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your
heart muscle.
Plaque also can crack, which causes blood cells
called platelets (PLATE-lets) to clump together and form blood clots at the
site of the cracks. This narrows the arteries more and worsens
angina
or causes a
heart
attack.
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