Causes and Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis develops gradually as certain risk factors damage the inner lining of arteries (endothelium), allowing fats and cholesterol to deposit and form plaque. Learn more about the causes and risk factors of atherosclerosis below.
Main Causes
- High cholesterol
- Especially LDL (low-density lipoprotein), often called “bad cholesterol”
- Especially LDL (low-density lipoprotein), often called “bad cholesterol”
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Damages artery walls and speeds up plaque formation
- Damages artery walls and speeds up plaque formation
- Smoking
- Contributes to inflammation, narrowing, and clotting
- Contributes to inflammation, narrowing, and clotting
- Diabetes
- Increases damage to blood vessels
- Increases damage to blood vessels
- Obesity and physical inactivity
- Promote several cardiovascular risk factors
- Promote several cardiovascular risk factors
- Inflammation
- Conditions like lupus or infections may worsen arterial damage
Risk Factors
- Age – Risk increases with age
- Sex – Men are generally at higher risk at younger ages, but women catch up post-menopause
- Family history – Genetic predisposition plays a strong role
- Unhealthy diet – High in saturated fat, sugar, and processed foods
- Alcohol abuse
- Stress and poor sleep
In South Africa, a mix of urban lifestyle changes, high salt intake, and limited access to preventive care contributes to a growing burden of atherosclerosis-related disease, especially in working-age adults.
Let’s now explore how atherosclerosis is diagnosed.
👉 [Next: Diagnosis of Atherosclerosis]
Treatment and Management of Atherosclerosis
