What causes coronary heart disease?
1-minute read
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is usually caused by a build-up of fatty deposits on or inside the walls of the coronary arteries. The fatty deposits, called 'atheroma', are made up of cholesterol and other waste substances.
The build-up of atheroma on the walls of the coronary arteries makes the arteries narrower and restricts the flow of blood to the heart. This process is called 'atherosclerosis'.
Atherosclerosis can be caused by lifestyle habits and other conditions such as:
- being inactive
- being overweight
- having an unhealthy diet
- smoking
- high cholesterol
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- diabetes
ARE YOU AT RISK? — Are you at risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease? Use our Risk Checker to find out.
If your doctor thinks you are at risk of CHD, they may carry out a risk assessment. This involves asking about your medical and family history, asking about your lifestyle and requesting a blood test.
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Last reviewed: January 2020
