Atherosclerosis is a condition where the arteries become narrow and hard. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body.
When they get blocked, blood can’t flow properly, and this can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes.
The blockage is caused by a buildup of plaque inside the arteries. Plaque is made of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other things found in the blood. Over time, this buildup gets bigger and harder, making it harder for blood to pass through.
One of the main reasons plaque builds up is high cholesterol. Cholesterol is a type of fat that your body needs to make cells and hormones. But if you have too much of it in your blood, it can stick to your artery walls.
There are two main types of cholesterol. LDL is called “bad” cholesterol because it helps form plaque. HDL is called “good” cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol from the blood. When your LDL is high and your HDL is low, your risk of atherosclerosis goes up.
High blood pressure is another major cause. When your blood pressure is high all the time, it can damage the inside walls of your arteries. This damage makes it easier for plaque to form and harder for your arteries to stay flexible.
Smoking is also very harmful. The chemicals in cigarette smoke damage your arteries and help plaque grow. Smoking also lowers your good cholesterol and raises your blood pressure. This makes it much easier for atherosclerosis to develop. If you stop smoking, you can lower your risk a lot.
People with diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, are also at higher risk. When blood sugar levels stay high, it can damage the blood vessels and cause plaque to build up. Many people with diabetes also have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which makes the problem worse.
Not moving enough and eating poorly also play a big role. If you don’t get regular exercise, you’re more likely to gain weight, raise your blood pressure, and increase your cholesterol levels.
Eating too much fat, fried food, and junk food also adds to the problem. On the other hand, a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat can help protect your arteries.
Exercise and healthy eating are two of the best ways to lower your risk of atherosclerosis. Even small changes can make a big difference over time.
Your genes also matter. If your family has a history of heart disease, you might be more likely to get atherosclerosis. You can’t change your genes, but knowing your family history can help you stay alert and take early action.
In summary, atherosclerosis happens when plaque builds up in the arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes. But many causes, like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and poor lifestyle habits, can be controlled.
Making healthy choices—like eating better, moving more, quitting smoking, and checking your health regularly—can protect your heart and improve your overall health.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies that herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm, and how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies that apple juice could benefit your heart health, and results showing yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
