What is a common cause of coronary artery disease?

Atherosclerosis is a common cause of coronary artery disease because it involves the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. This plaque is composed of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. As the plaque accumulates, it narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle and potentially leading to heart-related issues such as angina or heart attacks.

The process of atherosclerosis can be influenced by various risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, and diabetes. While diabetes can also contribute to coronary artery disease by increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, it is not the underlying process itself. In contrast, conditions like asthma and bronchitis primarily affect the respiratory system and do not directly lead to coronary artery disease. Thus, atherosclerosis is recognized as the primary mechanism that leads to the development of coronary artery disease.