2.2 Risk Factors
Genetics has a strong impact on atherosclerosis, however only a fraction of cases are due to Mendelian disorders, such as LDL receptor gene mutations. Familial traits that predispose an individual to atherosclerosis include conditions such as, hypertension and diabetes and inflammatory disorders (Crowther, 2005, Falk, 2006, Kumar, 2010). Age also plays a role, as individuals between 40 to 60 years of age are at elevated risk of manifesting atherosclerosis, whilst ischemic heart disease mortality increases with each decade (Falk, 2006, Kumar, 2010). Furthermore, premenopausal women are at lower risk of developing atherosclerosis than men, however, the opposite holds true after menopause. In addition, conditions such as hyperlipoidemia,
Genetics has a strong impact on atherosclerosis, however only a fraction of cases are due to Mendelian disorders, such as LDL receptor gene mutations. Familial traits that predispose an individual to atherosclerosis include conditions such as, hypertension and diabetes and inflammatory disorders (Crowther, 2005, Falk, 2006, Kumar, 2010). Age also plays a role, as individuals between 40 to 60 years of age are at elevated risk of manifesting atherosclerosis, whilst ischemic heart disease mortality increases with each decade (Falk, 2006, Kumar, 2010). Furthermore, premenopausal women are at lower risk of developing atherosclerosis than men, however, the opposite holds true after menopause. In addition, conditions such as hyperlipoidemia,