b'CHAPTER THREE All About AtherosclerosisY our cardiovascular system is only as healthy asAre You at Risk?the arteries that carry blood throughout your body. Ideally, your arteries should be flexible, withThere are a number of other factors a smooth, undamaged endotheliuma single layer ofthat can contribute to endothelial cells that line the inner surface of your arteries. Whendamage and plaque buildup. Some are healthy, your arteries allow the oxygen- and nutrient-richthings you have no control over. Others blood to flow freely. But over time, the effects of heredity,are preventable risk factors that you unhealthy habits, and simply growing older can damagecan do something about. The sooner arteries and lead to a condition called atherosclerosis.you take steps to address the risks Atherosclerosis is sneaky, silently developing overyou can control, the more likely your many years. It starts when the endothelium becomeschances of keeping atherosclerosis-compromised. This, in turn, triggers the formationrelated problems at bay. Here are of plaque at the site of the damage. Plaque is a fattyseven factors that can raise your risk of substance made up of cholesterol, calcium, cellulardeveloping atherosclerosis: waste, and a blood-clotting material called fibrin. Over Agetime, this plaque accumulates, further damaging the Diabetesarterial lining and causing arteries to become narrow Family historyand stiff. As it builds up, plaque reduces blood flow to Lack of exercisethe heart, brain, and other parts of the body. If plaque Obesity or overweightbecomes unstable, it can rupture, causing a blood clot to Smokingform that can block the artery completely and trigger a Unhealthy eating habits heart attack or stroke. GET HEART HEALTHY9'