Obesity

• Being obese raises a person's risk of heart disease and increases the likelihood of arteriosclerotic plaque formation on the insides of the coronary arteries.
  
  

Diabetes

• Diabetes increases the risk of arteriosclerosis by interfering with proper blood sugar and insulin metabolism, which is essential for healthy arterial condition and function.
  
  

High Cholesterol

• A main culprit in the formation of arteriosclerosis, high cholesterol increases the likelihood of arterial plaque formation, which is one of the hallmarks of established arteriosclerotic disease.
  
  

Lack of Exercise

• Sedentary individuals are at a much higher risk of developing arteriosclerosis than are active individuals. Exercise strengthens the heart and circulatory system and promotes lower levels of blood cholesterol and blood sugar.
  
  

Smoking

• Smoking damages the coronary arteries and promotes constriction and spasm of the coronary arteries, all of which increases the risk of arteriosclerosis.