Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Each year, more than half a million Americans die from CAD. Certain traits, conditions, or habits may raise your chance of developing CAD. These conditions are known as risk factors.
You can control most risk factors and help prevent or delay CAD. Other risk factors can't be controlled. Many factors raise the risk of developing CAD. The more risk factors you have, the greater chance you have of developing CAD.