Hardening of the Arteries Causes (Cause of Arteriosclerosis)
The exact cause of arteriosclerosis is not known; however, risk factors for the development and progression of arteriosclerosis have been identified. The risk factors can be divided into factors that can be changed and those that cannot.
Risk factors that can be changed include the following:
High blood pressure
High blood cholesterol levels, especially low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)
Cigarette smoking
Diabetes
Obesity
Lack of exercise
Western diet, with excessive saturated fat in meat, dairy products, eggs, and fast foods (the McDonald's Syndrome) with inadequate fruits, vegetables, and fish
Risk factors that cannot be changed include the following:
Advancing age
Being male (Women are at lower risk only until menopause.)
Having a close relative who has had heart disease or stroke at a relatively young age (bad genes, especially with familial hypercholesterolemia [increased cholesterol levels]).
Race: African Americans have excessive and early degree of high blood pressure, leading to premature stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, and death.
Circulatory System
Circulatory System, or cardiovascular system, in humans, the combined function of the heart, blood, and blood vessels to transport oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues throughout the body and carry away waste products. Among its vital functions, the circulatory system increases the flow of blood to meet increased energy demands during exercise and regulates body temperature.
