Coronary Artery Disease (Heart Attack)

Sections

Causes

Factors that Increase Risk of Coronary Artery Disease or Heart Attack

Cigarette Smoking

Smoking greatly increases the risk of coronary artery disease. Nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke make the heart work harder. The chemicals in smoke also damage the coronary arteries.
People who stop smoking begin to improve their health right away. It is never too late to benefit from quitting.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Untreated high blood pressure can damage blood vessels by making them thicker and less flexible. These damaged vessels are more likely to develop plaque buildup.

Blood Cholesterol Levels

There are different types of cholesterol in the blood. “Bad” cholesterol (LDL) can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. “Good” cholesterol (HDL) helps remove LDL from the blood. High LDL levels are linked to more severe atherosclerosis.

Age

Normal aging causes coronary arteries to become stiffer and narrower. In older adults, coronary artery disease may not be diagnosed quickly because:

  • Adults who are not very physically active may not notice symptoms until the disease is advanced.
  • Chest pain (angina) may feel different in older adults than in younger adults, so early symptoms may not be recognized for a long time.

Other Risk Factors

  • Family history
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Low levels of physical activity
  • Menopause
  • High stress levels
  • Chronic kidney disease

 

Last Reviewed and Updated: August 2026 
By: AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers 

Back To Top