Final answer:
Smoking is one of the most firmly established risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease, alongside hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and having a family history of the disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the most firmly established risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is smoking. This is due to the numerous negative effects smoking has on the cardiovascular system, which include damaging the lining of arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, and ultimately, increasing the risk of heart disease. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are also major risk factors, and they can lead to bodily changes such as high cholesterol levels, which further contribute to cardiovascular disease. Additionally, a family history of cardiovascular disease can increase a person's chance of developing heart problems, highlighting the importance of genetic factors.
Other modifiable risk factors include obesity, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, and tobacco use. By adopting healthy behaviors such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity, you can control these risk factors and reduce your chance of developing CAD.