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Risk Factors
Atherosclerosis generally does not affect individuals below the age of 35. While cholesterol may be transiently deposited, it is quickly removed. Above the age of 35, reports of prevalence are highly variable. Some studies report ranges of between 2.5% and 31.7% in asymptomatic individuals<ref>[http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/21/1/13.full.pdf Prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic population]. ''European Heart Journal, 21, 13-14''</ref>.
Atherosclerosis generally does not affect individuals below the age of 35. While cholesterol may be transiently deposited, it is quickly removed. Above the age of 35, reports of prevalence are highly variable. Some studies report ranges of between 2.5% and 31.7% in asymptomatic individuals<ref>[http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/21/1/13.full.pdf Prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic population]. ''European Heart Journal, 21, 13-14''</ref>.
==Risk Factors==
A number of risk factors predispose to the formation of atherosclerosis. These include:
* age (over the age of 40)
* male gender
* genetic predisposition/family history
* hypertension
* high total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides
* low HDL and total cholesterol:LDL ratio
* obesity, particularly around the abdomen
* poor diet, high in saturated and trans-saturated fats
* lack of physical exercise
==Disease Process==
==Disease Process==