Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease Risk factors for coronary artery disease are the same as risk factors for atherosclerosis: High blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (see Dyslipidemia) High blood levels of lipoprotein a Low blood levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol Diabetes mellitus (particularly type 2) Smoking Obesity Physical inactivity High level of apoprotein B (apo B) High blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) Smoking may be a stronger predictor of myocardial infarction in women (especially those < 45).