The modifiable risk factor associated with coronary artery disease is

The correct option is Obesity.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a cardiovascular condition characterized by the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, typically caused by the buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits known as plaque. The risk factors that contribute to the development of CAD are broadly classified into two categories: modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.
Modifiable risk factors are behaviors, conditions, or lifestyle choices that an individual can change, control, or treat. Non-modifiable risk factors, on the other hand, are inherent biological characteristics that cannot be altered.

Why Obesity is a Modifiable Risk Factor:
Obesity represents an excess accumulation of body fat that places extra strain on the cardiovascular system. It directly contributes to other CAD risk factors, including high blood pressure (hypertension), elevated levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, reduced levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. Because body weight can be regulated and reduced through dietary modifications, regular physical activity, lifestyle changes, or medical interventions, obesity is classified as a modifiable risk factor.

Why the Other Options are Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:
- Age: The natural aging process increases the likelihood of narrowed and damaged arteries. This is an inevitable chronological factor.
- Heredity: A family history of heart disease reflects genetic predispositions that are inherited and cannot be rewritten.
- Gender: Biological sex influences the timing and risk level of developing heart disease (for instance, men are generally at a higher risk earlier in life, whereas women's risk rises significantly after menopause). This is genetically determined and cannot be modified.