Heart disease is caused by a combination of factors that narrow or weaken the heart’s blood vessels or muscle, leading to reduced blood flow and heart function. The most common mechanism is atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits (plaques) build up in the arteries, narrowing them and limiting blood supply to the heart. This process is influenced by a mix of modifiable and non- modifiable factors. Key causes and contributors

• Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup in the coronary arteries reduces blood flow to the heart muscle, which can trigger chest pain (angina) or heart attacks when a plaque ruptures and a clot forms. This is the leading cause of coronary heart disease in many populations.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): Puts extra strain on the heart and arteries, accelerating wear and tear and promoting plaque formation.
• High cholesterol and abnormal lipid levels: Elevates the risk of plaque development in arteries.
• Smoking and tobacco use: Damages the lining of blood vessels, promotes clot formation, and accelerates atherosclerosis.
• Diabetes and insulin resistance: Increases vascular damage and promotes inflammatory processes that contribute to atherosclerosis.
• Obesity and physical inactivity: Associated with several risk factors (high triglycerides, high blood pressure, insulin resistance) that worsen heart disease risk.
• Unhealthy diet: Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and added sugars can raise cholesterol, blood pressure, and body weight.
• Family history and genetics: Some people inherit a higher risk due to genetic factors that affect cholesterol processing, blood pressure, or vascular structure.
• Age and sex: Risk generally increases with age; men and postmenopausal women have higher short-term risk earlier in life, with risk converging with age.
• Chronic kidney disease and other medical conditions: Contribute to cardiovascular risk via multiple pathways, including inflammation and hypertension.
• Other factors: Excess alcohol use, sleep disorders, chronic inflammation, and certain drugs or toxins can also influence risk.

Non-cardiac conditions that can contribute or mimic heart disease

• Heart valve disease, cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias, and congenital heart defects may cause symptoms similar to those of ischemic heart disease or contribute to overall heart dysfunction.
• Infections or inflammatory conditions can impact heart health temporarily or chronically.

Implications for prevention and health management

• Addressing risk factors through lifestyle changes (heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, smoking cessation) and medical treatments (blood pressure and cholesterol management, diabetes control) can substantially reduce risk.
• Regular screening and risk assessment help identify individuals at higher risk and tailor prevention strategies.

If you’d like, I can tailor this to your personal context (age, smoking status, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, family history) and summarize practical steps or questions to discuss with a healthcare provider.