What could be the risk factors associated to Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is narrowing and hardening of the arteries due to plaque buildup. It's the key cause of heart attacks and strokes and the No. 1 killer in the U.S. Because atherosclerosis is silent until it's advanced, figuring your health risk takes some educated guesswork. The risk factors are easy to spot. read more

Age - as the body ages the risk for atherosclerosis increases and genetic or lifestyle factors cause plaque to gradually build in the arteries - by middle-age or older, enough plaque has built up to cause signs or symptoms, in men, the risk increases after age 45, while in women, the risk increases after age 55. read more

Studies show that an increasing number of children and youth are at risk for atherosclerosis. This is due to a number of causes, including rising childhood obesity rates. Emerging Risk Factors. Scientists continue to study other possible risk factors for atherosclerosis. read more