Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries. Several conditions or lifestyle habits lead to this plaque build-up, including diabetes, a diet high in sodium or sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking. People are more likely to develop coronary artery disease if they have risk factors such as being male, being 65 or older, chronic lack of sleep, family history of coronary artery disease, long-term stress, and obstructive sleep apnea.