Overview

Things that put you at risk for coronary artery disease are the things that lead to a problem called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. These things include:

• High cholesterol.
• High blood pressure.
• Diabetes.
• Smoking.
• Being overweight.
• A family history of early heart disease. Early heart disease means you have a male family member who was diagnosed before age 55 or a female family member who was diagnosed before age 65.

Your age, sex, and race can also raise your risk. For example, your risk increases as you get older.

You can help prevent coronary artery disease by taking steps toward a heart-healthy lifestyle. This includes quitting smoking, being active, eating heart-healthy foods, and staying at a healthy weight.