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- What is atherosclerosis?
- Symptoms of atherosclerosis
- Causes of atherosclerosis
- Prevention of atherosclerosis
- Risk factors for atherosclerosis
- Complications of atherosclerosis
- When to see a doctor about atherosclerosis
- Diagnosis of atherosclerosis
- Conventional treatment of atherosclerosis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of atherosclerosis
- Living with atherosclerosis
- Caring for someone with atherosclerosis
Risk factors for atherosclerosis
Research shows that there are some very well known risk factors associated with the development of atherosclerosis (as well as heart disease in general):
- Diabetes - people who have type 2 diabetes are at greater risk of developing atherosclerosis due to the adverse effects of the condition on the arteries and the heart
- Drinking alcohol excessively - excessive intake of alcohol can cause damage to the artery walls and increase risk of developing atherosclerosis
- High blood pressure - research shows that high blood pressure may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis, due to the damage that the high blood pressure causes to the artery walls
- High cholesterol levels - high blood levels of cholesterol are implicated in increased risk of developing heart disease, including atherosclerosis as the excess cholesterol may clog up the arteries and cause a blockage
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- High homocysteine levels - research suggests that the amino acid by-product homocysteine is implicated in increasing the risk of developing atherosclerosis, because the homocysteine may damage the artery walls
- High saturated fat diet - a diet high in saturated fat may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis if the excess fat is deposited into the arteries, which can clog up the arteries
- Lack of physical activity - research shows that a lack of physical activity is implicated in all forms of heart disease, but especially atherosclerosis because physical activity helps to condition the heart and improves blood circulation in the body
- Obesity - people who are obese or very overweight greatly increase their risk of developing heart disease, including atherosclerosis
- Smoking - a great deal of research suggests that smoking can significantly increase the risk of atherosclerosis by causing damage to the artery walls
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< 4: prevention 6: complications > Last reviewed: 27 October 2007 || Last updated: 12 March 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
