Once you’ve developed atherosclerosis, some conditions can make it worse.

1. Diabetes

Atherosclerosis often develops earlier and more extensively in patients with diabetes. These patients tend to have atherosclerosis not only in big arteries, but small blood vessels as well.

2. High blood pressure

High blood pressure increases damage to the lining of arteries and is associated with inflammation reaction.

3. Obesity

Abdominal obesity raises the risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, which can cause damage to the arteries. Obesity itself also increases the risk of having atherosclerosis in the arteries supplying blood to the heart.

4. Smoking

Smoking injures the inner lining of the arteries, raises LDL (bad cholesterol) and lowers HDL (good cholesterol). It has been linked to the progression of atherosclerosis.

To prevent or slow down the development of atherosclerosis, keep blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and diabetes under good control.

Source: webmd.com

Also see: Atherosclerosis (1) — How does it develop?