Final answer:
Factors increasing the risk for atherosclerosis include smoking, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, but elevated levels of HDL cholesterol are an exception as they can be protective against the disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Risk factors for atherosclerosis include a variety of lifestyle choices and health conditions that can increase the likelihood of developing this cardiovascular condition. Key factors such as smoking, hypertension (high blood pressure), and diabetes mellitus significantly elevate the risk. These are well-documented precursors to cardiovascular disease due to their roles in damaging the inner layers of arterial walls, leading to the buildup of plaque.
However, not all cholesterol-related metrics serve as risk factors. For instance, one exception to the list of risk factors for atherosclerosis is elevated HDL cholesterol. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is often referred to as 'good' cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of arterial plaque formation and thus serving a protective role against atherosclerosis.
In summary, while lifestyle choices and conditions like smoking, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus are risk factors that contribute to atherosclerosis, elevated HDL cholesterol is generally not considered a risk factor and can actually be beneficial for cardiovascular health.