 [ Symptoms ] i have pain higher up on the left side of my chest and in my left armpit [ Disease ] blockages in coronary arteries are caused by inflammation which results in damage to artery walls and accumulation of cholesterol plaque we know that smoking eating unhealthy foods diabetes and being sedentary are some of the risk factors for developing heart disease   genetics and family history play a role too it is important to focus on 1 what we can do to reduce our own personal risk and 2 incorporate medical treatment and lifestyle changes to prevent future events