Atherosclerosis is a condition where the arteries become narrow and hard because of a buildup of plaque. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
When plaque builds up inside them, it makes it harder for blood to flow. This can lead to serious problems like heart attacks and strokes.
Plaque is made of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. One of the biggest causes of plaque buildup is high cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fatty substance the body needs for certain functions, but having too much can be harmful.
There are two main types of cholesterol. LDL is called “bad” cholesterol because it helps form plaque in the arteries. HDL is known as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream. Research shows that having high LDL and low HDL increases the risk of atherosclerosis.
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is another major cause. When blood pressure is too high, it puts extra force on the walls of the arteries. This can damage them and make it easier for plaque to stick and build up.
Damaged arteries also become stiffer, which worsens the condition. Many studies have shown that people with high blood pressure are more likely to get atherosclerosis.
Smoking is another major risk factor. The chemicals in cigarette smoke damage the lining of the arteries, increase plaque formation, and reduce the oxygen in the blood. Smoking also raises blood pressure and lowers HDL levels.
This combination makes it much more likely that a smoker will develop atherosclerosis. The good news is that quitting smoking can lower this risk a lot.
Diabetes, especially type 2, also increases the risk. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and support plaque formation. People with diabetes often have high blood pressure and cholesterol, which adds to the danger. Research shows that people with diabetes are much more likely to suffer from atherosclerosis and its complications.
Not getting enough physical activity and eating an unhealthy diet are also big contributors. If you don’t move enough, it’s easier to gain weight and harder to control blood pressure and cholesterol. Eating foods high in unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar can make things worse.
But studies show that regular exercise and eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can lower your risk.
Family history matters too. If heart disease runs in your family, you may have a higher chance of getting atherosclerosis. While you can’t change your genes, knowing your risk can help you make smart choices to stay healthy.
In summary, atherosclerosis has many causes, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, poor diet, lack of exercise, and genetics. But many of these risks can be controlled.
By making healthy lifestyle choices—like staying active, eating well, quitting smoking, and checking your health regularly—you can protect your heart and live a healthier life.
If you care about heart health, please read studies that apple juice could benefit your heart health, and Yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that Vitamin D deficiency can increase heart disease risk, and results showing Zinc and vitamin B6 linked to lower death risk in heart disease.
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