Question 1

what are the general risk factors of atherosclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Well known: Heredity, high LDL cholesterol, cigarette smoking, hypertension, diabetes, lack of exercise. Less striking -- low HDL, high triglycerides, renal failure, high homocystine levels, obesity, hypercoagulable blood. There are some labs that are promoted as risks but nobody knows what to do with them and physicians order them mostly as cover-your-butt.

Question 2

what are two factors that lead to development of atherosclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Smoking HTN: Smoking and hypertension are 2 big ones, but let's not forget  high cholesterol, diabetes, age, and family history (you can't do anything about the last 3).

Question 3

luke perry died unexpectedly of a stroke at age 52. were other factors, such as a genetic component, or a clot, or atherosclerosis, likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Yes : Multiple factors play into having a stroke uncontrolled hypertension chronic hypertension ,Diabetes atherosclerosis, irregular heartbeat  called atrial fibrillation. Heredity and genetics high cholesterol  lipid disorders also play a role

Question 4

why does atherosclerosis run in families? is it just a gene that runs through and you just naturally develop cardiovascular disease or is it because of the risk factors that run in families?

Accepted Answer

Risk factors: The more risk factors one has, the more likely they are to develop atherosclerotic vascular disease, whether that is in coronary arteries or other arteries in the body.  Family history is certainly a strong risk factor, but others include high blood pressure, high cholesterol (can also be hereditary), smoking and diabetes.

Question 5

modifiable factor that increase the risk for atherosclerosis. what are they at 50 + ?

Accepted Answer

See below: High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol , family history.

Question 6

what's atherosclerosis from?

Accepted Answer

Multifactorial: Usually a combination of having a family history, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, smoking. These are the main players.

Question 7

can atherosclerosis be cured?

Accepted Answer

No: Medications and life style changes can prevent it from progressing and at times cause some regression, but will not cure it.

Question 8

is atherosclerosis hereditary?

Accepted Answer

It can be: Yes, atherosclerosis, cholesterol and many other factors can be hereditary - there is a genetic factor - but that is not the end of the story.  Smoking, diabetes, overweight/obesity, diet, exercise, cholesterol control (i.e. The preceeding and medications) can influence the progress of atherosclerosis.  1st: know you numbers, 2nd: control the aforementioned factors and take your rx(s).

Question 9

how does atherosclerosis start?

Accepted Answer

Multiple causes: Atherosclerosis is a complex process with diffrent risk factors. Age, htn, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history, tobacco use. The liningof blood vessel has a barrier that protects it.  If something causes damage to this, than cholesterol can enter the wall of the vessel and accumulate. Such things as high blood pressue and diabetes are examples of dz that can damage the lining and promote ashd.

Question 10

what happens in atherosclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Artery blockage: The process affects arteries causing a buildup of plaque which can narrow the artery. If the plaque ruptures the artery can suddenly get occluded. If an artery is narrowed or occluded, symptoms would occur. The symptoms would depend on what part of the body is supplied by that artery. Chest pain if heart, stroke or TIA if brain, pain in area if arm or leg for istance.

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Doctor answers about:

Non modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis

A member asked:

What are the general risk factors of atherosclerosis?

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What are two factors that lead to development of atherosclerosis?

A member asked:

Luke perry died unexpectedly of a stroke at age 52. were other factors, such as a genetic component, or a clot, or atherosclerosis, likely involved?

A member asked:

Why does atherosclerosis run in families? is it just a gene that runs through and you just naturally develop cardiovascular disease or is it because of the risk factors that run in families?

A member asked:

Modifiable factor that increase the risk for atherosclerosis. what are they at 50 + ?

A member asked:

What's atherosclerosis from?

A member asked:

Can atherosclerosis be cured?

A member asked:

Is atherosclerosis hereditary?

A member asked:

How does atherosclerosis start?

A member asked:

What happens in atherosclerosis?

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