The cause of hardening of the arteries is unknown but it is associated with several factors. Diabetes, in which there is a relative lack of insulin, is a disorder in which there is a widespread metabolic disturbance, apart from an inability to metabolise sugar.
Diabetics are prone to develop atheroma in their arteries, more severely and at a younger age, than the rest of the population.
Atheroma is associated with high levels of fat in the blood. The blood fats consist of cholesterol and triglyceride. Cholesterol is produced in the body and is present in hormones and many tissues, and the blood level may be raised by a diet rich in animal fats.
High blood pressure may cause degenerative changes in the arteries and be associated with atheroma.
The other main factor is cigarette smoking.
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