In a patient at risk for coronary atherosclerosis, which risk factor is not modifiable?

Age is considered a non-modifiable risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis because it is a characteristic that naturally changes over time and cannot be altered. As individuals grow older, the risk of developing coronary artery disease increases due to various physiological changes that occur with aging, such as the gradual accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque and decreased elasticity of blood vessels.

Understanding the nature of modifiable versus non-modifiable risk factors is crucial in managing cardiovascular health. While high LDL cholesterol, hypertension, and obesity can all be addressed through lifestyle changes, medications, or other interventions, age remains a fixed element of a patient’s profile. Thus, recognizing the different categories of risk factors aids in tailoring effective prevention and treatment strategies for coronary atherosclerosis.