Atherosclerosis Risk Factors: Understanding Your Susceptibility

1. Age: The risk of atherosclerosis increases with age. The longer you live, the more time your arteries have to accumulate plaque.

2. Sex: Men are more likely to develop atherosclerosis than women, especially before menopause. After menopause, women's risk of atherosclerosis increases.

3. Family history: If you have a family history of atherosclerosis, you're more likely to develop the condition yourself. This is because some genes increase your risk of atherosclerosis.

4. High blood pressure: High blood pressure damages the arteries and makes them more likely to develop plaque.

5. High cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol, especially LDL (bad) cholesterol, can build up in the arteries and form plaque.

6. Diabetes: Diabetes damages the arteries and makes them more likely to develop plaque.

7. Smoking: Smoking damages the arteries and makes them more likely to develop plaque.

8. Obesity: Obesity increases your risk of atherosclerosis by raising your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

9. Physical inactivity: Physical inactivity increases your risk of atherosclerosis by raising your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

10. Other risk factors: Other risk factors for atherosclerosis include stress, sleep apnea, depression, chronic kidney disease, and autoimmune diseases.