Background: Atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease is currently the leading cause of morbidity, mortality and cost burden in the medical community. New studies have found atherosclerosis to be predominantly an inflammatory reaction of vessel wall. Methodology: We conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE, January 1987, through February 2017. The following search terms were used: Atherosclerosis, thrombotic heart diseases, hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, pathology of atherosclerosis, treatment of atherosclerosis. Aim: In this review, we evaluated the pathogenesis, risk factors and management of atherosclerosis. Conclusion: More studies must be done to offer better management, even though massive success was achieved in the past decades. Also healthy population must be encouraged to avoid risk factors that cause such pathologies.