What Are the Causes of Arteriosclerosis?

Hypertension

• Arteriosclerosis is often caused by high blood pressure. Excess pressure on the heart's arteries causes them to become thicker and harden over time.
  
  

High Cholesterol

• Arteriosclerosis is also caused by high cholesterol levels. Excess cholesterol in the blood can accumulate in the heart's arteries, forming plaques that block the arteries.
  
  

Diabetes

• Diabetes is another cause of artery damage that can cause arteriosclerosis to develop.
  
  

Nicotine

• Smoking tobacco contributes to the development of arteriosclerosis.
  
  

Prevention

• Arteriosclerosis can be prevented by addressing factors that cause this disease. Individuals with high blood pressure should take medications to control blood pressure. Those with high cholesterol can make dietary changes and also take cholesterol-lowering medications. Also, individuals at risk for developing arteriosclerosis can exercise regularly, practice stress management and quit smoking.