A nurse is giving a presentation to a community group about preventing atherosclerosis. Which of the following should the nurse include as a modifiable risk factor for this disorder? (Select all that apply.)

A. Smoking: Smoking is a modifiable risk factor; it damages endothelium, promotes inflammation, increases LDL oxidation and platelet aggregation, all of which accelerate atherosclerosis. B. Hypercholesterolemia: Elevated cholesterol (especially LDL) is a modifiable risk factor; lowering LDL via diet, exercise, or medications reduces atherosclerotic risk. C. Hypertension: High blood pressure is modifiable; it injures arterial walls and speeds atheroma formation, so BP control reduces atherosclerosis progression. D. Genetic predisposition: Nonmodifiable. Family history/genetic risk cannot be changed (though management of other modifiable risks is still important). E. Obesity: Obesity is modifiable through diet, activity, and behavioral interventions; it’s associated with dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance which promote atherosclerosis.