Factors that influence Atherosclerosis

Factors that influence Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition where the arteries narrow and harden because of plaque accumulation around the artery wall. This condition disrupts the flow of blood around the body that may cause serious complications. Atherosclerosis begins when endothelium becomes damaged, permitting the harmful type of cholesterol to accumulate in the artery wall ( Libby, Ridker and Maseri, 2012 ). Sometimes, the plaque grows to a certain size and stop growing causing no problems to a person. The exact cause of atherosclerosis has not been found but certain traits, conditions, and habits may escalate the risk of the disease. Unhealthy blood cholesterol level is one of the factors that influence atherosclerosis.

According to Hansson (2015), Unhealthy blood cholesterol may include high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol. Another factor that influences atherosclerosis is high blood pressure. In most cases, blood pressure is considered high if it stays at or beyond 140/90 mmHg over a longer period ( Ross, 2010 ). If high blood pressure is not regulated, the chances of a person developing atherosclerosis increase. Apart from high blood pressure, smoking is another factor that influences atherosclerosis. Smoking damages and tightens blood vessels increases cholesterol levels and further raises blood pressure. Insulin resistance is another factor that influences atherosclerosis. Insulin resistance occurs in cases where the body cannot utilize its own insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that moves blood sugar into the cell where it is utilized as an energy source ( Fruchart et al 2014 ).

Additionally, diabetes is a factor that influences atherosclerosis. When the blood sugar level of the body is high due to the inability of the body to make sufficient insulin, a person has high chances of developing atherosclerosis. Age is also another factor that causes atherosclerosis. As the body ages, the risk of atherosclerosis also increases and lifestyle or genetic factors cause plaque development in the arteries. Finally, lack of physical activity may worsen other risk factors for atherosclerosis such as high blood pressure, unhealthy blood cholesterol level and diabetes. It is therefore important to exercise to avoid chances of developing atherosclerosis.

References

Fruchart, J. C., Nierman, M. C., Stroes, E. S., Kastelein, J. J., & Duriez, P. (2014). New risk factors for atherosclerosis and patient risk assessment.  Circulation ,  109 (23_suppl_1), III-15.

Hansson, G. K. (2015). Inflammation, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease.  New England Journal of Medicine ,  352 (16), 1685-1695.

Libby, P., Ridker, P. M., & Maseri, A. (2012). Inflammation and atherosclerosis.  Circulation ,  105 (9), 1135-1143.

Ross, R. (2010). Atherosclerosis—an inflammatory disease.  New England journal of medicine ,  340 (2), 115-126.