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.)

Rationale: A. Hypercholesterolemia: Elevated cholesterol, particularly LDL cholesterol, contributes to plaque buildup within arterial walls. It is a major modifiable risk factor because dietary changes, medications, and exercise can lower cholesterol levels and reduce atherosclerosis risk. B. Obesity: Excess body weight is linked to hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, all of which accelerate the development of atherosclerosis. Weight reduction through diet and physical activity is an effective modifiable strategy to lower cardiovascular risk. C. Genetic predisposition: Family history and inherited lipid disorders increase the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis but cannot be altered. This factor is considered non-modifiable and requires more vigilant lifestyle modification and screening. D. Smoking: Tobacco use damages the vascular endothelium, promotes inflammation, and increases LDL oxidation, accelerating plaque formation. Smoking cessation significantly lowers cardiovascular disease risk, making it a highly important modifiable factor. E. Hypertension: Persistent high blood pressure damages the arterial lining and promotes plaque formation. Controlling blood pressure through diet, exercise, and medications reduces the risk of atherosclerosis progression.