General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Physical Education (PE) Practice Exam

Coronary heart disease is primarily caused by the clogging of blood vessels, which occurs due to the buildup of fatty deposits, known as atheroma, on the walls of the coronary arteries. This process, known as atherosclerosis, narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow to the heart, potentially leading to chest pain (angina) or heart attacks.

While high blood pressure, genetic factors, and diabetes management issues can contribute to the risk of developing coronary heart disease, the fundamental cause revolves around the physical obstruction of blood flow caused by the accumulation of these fatty deposits. Managing risk factors is crucial, but the primary issue that leads to the disease is the actual clogging of the blood vessels, making it the correct answer.