Risk factors

Hardening of the arteries occurs over time. Besides aging, factors that may increase your risk of atherosclerosis include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• High levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sleep apnea
• Smoking and other tobacco use
• A family history of early heart disease
• Lack of exercise
• An unhealthy diet