<qa>  What is the main risk factor of atherosclerosis?Patients with obstructive sleep apnea OSA are at increased risk of atherosclerotic morbidity and mortality.OSA is associated with the development andor worsening of arterial hypertension, a traditional risk factor of atherosclerosis.Moreover, OSA has been linked to novel factors related to atherogenesis - metabolic syndrome,systemic inflammation,6 and oxidative stress. 