A number of factors have been shown to increase the risk of developing coronary artery disease. They include:

• Low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension), even in the teenage years
• Smoking
• Lack of regular exercise
• High-fat diet
• Overweight or obesity
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Chronic stress or depression

Other risk factors that increase the risk for coronary artery disease include HIV and chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.