What causes atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis often develops gradually as a person ages. This condition is often linked to high levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fatty substances in the blood. It often begins with damage to the inner walls of the arteries [4]. This injury makes the arteries more vulnerable to plaque buildup. What scientists do not know yet is why some people develop it while others do not.
High cholesterol
You have probably heard doctors advise people to stay away from too much cholesterol. There is a good reason for this. High cholesterol levels [5] are a common cardiovascular health risk because they can clog your arteries and lead to atherosclerosis.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance or sterol that is produced naturally in the liver of several animals and found in their tissues. Your body makes cholesterol by itself, but you can also get it from the foods you eat. When the levels of this substance in your blood vessels become too high, it can begin sticking to the inner walls of your arteries and harden into plaques that impair normal circulation.
High triglycerides
Triglycerides are naturally occurring fatty lipids in animal and vegetable tissues. They are a useful energy source, but they can also cause problems when you have high levels. They contribute to the narrowing and hardening of the arteries [6] by coating the arterial walls. As the quantity of triglycerides in your blood vessels increases, your risk of developing atherosclerosis also goes up. This, in turn, predisposes you to several types of cardiovascular problems.