Risk factors of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the result of hyperlipidemia and lipid oxidation and has always been a major cause of mortality in developed countries. Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls. This buildup is called plaque. Plaque is made up of deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin. The plaque can cause arteries to narrow, blocking blood flow.

Risk factors of atherosclerosis
*Older age
*A family history of early heart disease
*An unhealthy diet - diet high in saturated or trans fats, low in fruits and vegetables
*Stress
*Type 1 diabetes
*Insulin resistance
*High blood pressure - the most important risk factor for stroke
*High cholesterol and triglyceride levels
*High levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation
*Physical inactivity
*Obesity
*Sleep apnea
*Smoking and other tobacco use
*Alcohol

Reducing the risk factors for atherosclerosis lowers the risk of stroke. About 700,000 strokes occur each year in the U.S. One in five people will have a stroke in their lifetime.
Risk factors of atherosclerosis