is multiplicative rather than additive. People with more than one risk factor (smoking, hypertension and diabetes) are at greatest risk.Age and sex. Increase in age increases the risk and male is at more risk than a female.
Family history. Often present in families.
Smoking. Smoking is probably the most important avoidable dose linked cause of atherosclerotic vascular disease.
Hypertension. Atherosclerosis increases with increase in blood pressure.
Hypercholesterolaemia (increased blood cholesterol level). Atherosclerotic vascular disease increases with cholesterol levels of blood.
Diabetes mellitus. This is a potent risk factor for all forms of atherosclerosis and is often associated with disease that is difficult to treat.
Physical activity. Physical inactivity roughly doubles the risk of coronary heart disease and is a major risk factor for stroke. Regular exercise decreases cholesterol level, decreases bloop pressure. One should exercise regularly like brisk walking, swimming for half an hour, cycling or indulging in any physical games.
Obesity. Obesity is often associated with other risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and physical inactivity.
Alcohol. Heavy drinking is associated with hypertension.
Other dietary factors. Diets deficient in fresh fruit, vegetables and polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with an increased risk of vascular disease. Low levels of vitamin C, vitamin E and other antioxidants, low dietary folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 can elevate homocysteine concentrations which can greatly enhance the progress of atherosclerosis.
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