There are many, including the following:

Diet: Following a lowfat, low cholesterol diet will reduce the amount of fats circulating in the blood. It’s especially important to limit saturated fat and cholesterol (found in meat, dairy, and other animal products), and trans fats (such as hydrogenated oils)
Activity Level: Exercise can help raise HDL cholesterol, the good cholesterol that helps fight plaque buildup.

Weight: Being overweight or obese raises blood pressure and increases the risk for Type 2 diabetes — both risk factors for atherosclerosis. Excess fat around the abdomen increases production of LDL cholesterol, the bad cholesterol that leads to plaque formation and buildup.

Blood Glucose: High blood glucose levels, present in undiagnosed and uncontrolled diabetes, can increase the amount of fatty deposits on arterial walls. If you’re diabetic, regularly check your blood glucose and make sure it’s at a healthy level.

Smoking: The smoke from tobacco speeds damage to the arteries. If you smoke, you need to quit. You also should avoid secondhand smoke.