Causes of atherosclerosis
The primary causes of the condition are high cholesterol levels, smoking, high blood pressure, age, diabetes, family history, and an unhealthy diet.
Those at the greatest risk of developing atherosclerosis are those over the age of 45, with a family history of cardiovascular disease, smokers, those with diabetes, and those with an unhealthy diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol.
Altogether, when these conditions meet in the same patient, their risk of atherosclerosis increases for each risk factor they have. What they have in common is how they promote inflammation or an increase in bad cholesterol levels.
High cholesterol levels, especially LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, are major contributors to atherosclerosis and can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other serious cardiovascular conditions.
