15/11/2025
Atherosclerosis happens when fatty plaque starts collecting inside the walls of arteries, which are the tubes that carry oxygen rich blood through the body. Over many years this buildup makes the artery narrower and stiffer and it becomes harder for blood to move smoothly. When blood flow drops, organs get less oxygen and the artery becomes more sensitive to stress. If the plaque becomes irritated or breaks open, a blood clot can suddenly form and fully block the vessel which can cause a heart attack or a stroke.
This process usually begins when the artery wall is injured from things like high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar. These stresses change the inner lining of the artery which allows cholesterol, fat, and immune cells to stick and gather. The plaque slowly grows thicker and harder and the artery loses its normal flexibility. Over time this buildup can happen in the heart, the legs, the brain, the kidneys, or any major artery.
Healthy habits can lower the risk and slow the damage. Eating more fruits and vegetables, limiting fatty foods, staying physically active, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, keeping blood sugar controlled, and avoiding smoking all help protect the artery walls.
Research DOI : 10.1038/s41572-019-0106-z
