Atherosclerosis (AS) is the result of multiple genetic and environmental factors which determine abnormal lipid (fatty) blood components and abnormal structural components of the body’s system of arteries. The process starts with a lesion of the inner artery walls (intima) on which fat deposits circulating through the arteries form “lipid streaks” (atheromas).

The streaks can either recede or transform into fibrous plaques, which is the start of atherosclerosis.

A number of risk factors are thought  to cause AS:

• Hyperlipidemia (fat excess in the blood).

• Hypertension.

• Heavy smoking.

• Diabetes.

• Lack of exercise.

• Stress.

• Being overweight.

For many years, excess fat has been considered to be a negative consequence of an unhealthy diet (50% of the U.S. population have higher cholesterol levels than are considered advisable). But the genetic tendency toward dislipidemia (high blood cholesterol levels) should not be overlooked.

A well-known study states that people with high blood pressure are 5 times more at risk for AS as compared to people with normal blood pressure levels. There is still no general agreement as to what blood pressure levels are considered normal (but certainly lower than 140/90). There is no doubt, however, that smoking and diabetes double the risk of developing an atherosclerotic disease, while lack of physical exercise, stress and being overweight   each increase (in different ways) the danger of AS.