The exact cause of atherosclerosis isn't known. However, studies show that atherosclerosis is a slow, complex disease that may start in childhood. It develops faster as you age.

Atherosclerosis may start when certain factors damage the inner layers of the arteries. These factors include:

·         Smoking

·         High amounts of certain fats and cholesterol in the blood

·         High blood pressure

·         High amounts of sugar in the blood due to insulin resistance or diabetes

Risk Factors

The exact cause of atherosclerosis is not clear but certain traits, conditions, or habits may raise   risk for the disease. These conditions are known as risk factors. The more risk factors you have, the more likely it is that you'll develop atherosclerosis.

Major Risk Factors

·         Unhealthy blood cholesterol levels. This includes high LDL cholesterol (sometimes called "bad" cholesterol) and low HDL cholesterol (sometimes called "good" cholesterol).

·         High blood pressure. Blood pressure is considered high if it stays at or above 140/90 mmHg over time. If you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure is defined as 130/80 mmHg or higher. (The mmHg is millimeters of mercury—the units used to measure blood pressure.)

·         Smoking. Smoking can damage and tighten blood vessels, raise cholesterol levels, and raise blood pressure. Smoking also doesn't allow enough oxygen to reach body tissues.

·         Insulin resistance. This condition occurs if the body can't use its insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps move blood sugar into cells where it's used as an energy source. Insulin resistance may lead to diabetes.

·         Diabetes. With this disease, the body's blood sugar level is too high because the body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use its insulin properly.

·         Overweight or obesity. The terms "overweight" and "obesity" refer to body weight that's greater than what is considered healthy for a certain height.

·         Lack of physical activity. A lack of physical activity can worsen other risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as unhealthy blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, diabetes, and overweight and obesity.

·         Unhealthy diet. An unhealthy diet can raise your risk for atherosclerosis. Foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and sugar can worsen other atherosclerosis risk factors.

·         Older age. As one gets older,   risk for atherosclerosis increases. Genetic or lifestyle factors cause plaque to build up in   arteries with ageing. By the time you're middle-aged or older, enough plaque has built up to cause signs or symptoms. In men, the risk increases after the age of 45. In women, the risk increases after the age of 55.

·         Family history of early heart disease. Your risk for atherosclerosis increases if your father or a brother was diagnosed with heart disease before 55 years of age, or if your mother or a sister was diagnosed with heart disease before 65 years of age.

 

Taking action to control risk factors can help prevent or delay atherosclerosis and   related diseases. Risk for atherosclerosis increases with the number of risk factors you have.

Doctor may recommend medical advice along with heart-healthy lifestyle changes if you have atherosclerosis. Heart-healthy lifestyle changes include heart-healthy eating, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, physical activity and quitting smoking.

 

Heart-Healthy Eating

Doctor may recommend heart-healthy eating, which   includes:

·         Fat-free or low-fat dairy products, such as skimmed milk

·         Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and trout, about twice a week

·         Fruits, such as apples, bananas, oranges, pears, and prunes

·         Legumes, such as kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, and lima beans

·         Vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, and carrots

·         Whole grains, such as oatmeal, brown rice, and corn tortillas

 

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health and can lower   risk for coronary heart disease. Knowing   body mass index (BMI) helps in finding out   a healthy weight in relation to   height and give an estimate of   total body fat. 

A BMI:

·         Below 18.5 is considered underweight.

·         Between 18.5 and 22.9 is in the normal range.

·         Between 23.0 and 24.9 is considered overweight.

·         A BMI of 25.0 or higher is considered obese.

A general goal is to aim for   a BMI of less than 25.   Doctor or health care provider can help   set an appropriate BMI goal.

Managing Stress

Learning how to manage stress, relax, and cope with problems can improve   emotional and physical health. Consider healthy stress-reducing activities, such as:

·         A stress management program

·         Meditation

·         Physical activity

·         Relaxation therapy

·         Talking things out with friends or family

Physical Activity

Regular physical activity can lower many atherosclerosis risk factors, including LDL or “bad” cholesterol, high blood pressure, and excess weight. Physical activity also can lower   risk for diabetes and raise  HDL or “good” cholesterol, which helps prevent atherosclerosis.

Quitting Smoking

If you smoke or use tobacco, quit. Smoking can damage and tighten blood vessels and raise   risk for atherosclerosis. Take advice of doctor about programs and products that   help in quitting. Also, try to avoid passive smoking. If you have trouble quitting smoking on your own, consider joining a support group. Many hospitals, workplaces, and community groups offer classes to help people quit smoking.