Is atherosclerosis hereditary?

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).

Yes: There is certainly a hereditary component but there are also acquired risks. If your family history is bad, it need not be inevitable that you will inherit the disease if you: don't smoke, stay thin, exercise daily, eat healthily, and keep BP and cholesterol in check.

It Can Be: Atherosclerosis, also known as “hardening of the arteries”, occurs when areas of the artery wall thicken in response to either increased modifiable (high LDL particle levels, smoking or high blood pressure )and non-modifiable (genetics, age, gender) risk factors. Examples of hereditary factors include inherited disorders of lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and certain types of diabetes.