Final answer:
Atherosclerosis contributes to coronary artery disease by narrowing coronary arteries due to plaque buildup, leading to reduced blood flow and potentially resulting in heart attacks. Risk factors include high-fat diet, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes and the condition may start without symptoms and go undiagnosed until it becomes severe.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atherosclerosis can significantly contribute to the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) by causing the buildup of plaque within the walls of the coronary arteries. This plaque consists of cell debris, cholesterol, and other substances. Over time, as the plaque buildup continues, the arteries become narrower, which reduces blood flow to the heart muscle (ischemia) and can lead to conditions such as chest pain (angina) or even a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
There are various risk factors for atherosclerosis including a high-fat diet, high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes. Each of these factors can contribute to the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Atherosclerosis is often a silent condition, starting in late childhood and can go undetected until it results in significant artery blockage, leading to CAD.
The consequences of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries are serious because they can obstruct blood flow or even cause a blockage that denies the heart muscle of vital oxygen and nutrients. The condition can lead to chronic symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath, and acute events like heart attacks, which can be life-threatening.