What is the main cause of atherosclerosis?

As a cardiovascular health expert with a focus on the pathology of heart and vascular diseases, I can explain that the main cause of atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, can harden and narrow the arteries, restricting blood flow. When it comes to the types of cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis can lead to several conditions, including: 1. Coronary artery disease: This occurs when plaques in the arteries supplying the heart cause angina, which is chest pain due to insufficient blood flow. A sudden plaque rupture followed by clotting can lead to a heart attack, as the heart muscle begins to die due to the lack of oxygen-rich blood. 2. Cerebrovascular disease: Atherosclerosis can also affect the arteries in the brain, leading to a stroke when a blood clot blocks an artery or a plaque rupture causes a hemorrhage. 3. Peripheral artery disease: This is the narrowing of arteries outside the heart and brain, often in the legs, which can cause pain when walking and is a sign of reduced blood flow. Risk factors for atherosclerosis include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, lack of physical activity, and family history of heart disease.

The plaques of atherosclerosis cause the three main kinds of cardiovascular disease: Coronary artery disease : Stable plaques in the heart's arteries cause angina (chest pain). A sudden plaque rupture and clotting cause heart muscle to die.