Atherosclerosis begins with damage to the endothelium. it’s caused by high blood pressure, smoking, or high cholesterol. that damage leads to the formation of plaque. when bad cholesterol, or ldl, crosses the damaged endothelium, the cholesterol enters the wall of the artery.. Medications. your doctor can choose from a range of cholesterol medications, including drugs known as statins and fibrates. in addition to lowering cholesterol, statins have additional effects that help stabilize the lining of your heart arteries and prevent atherosclerosis. anti-platelet medications.. Atherosclerosis occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances accumulate in the walls of the arteries. the following factors may increase your risk for this condition: high blood pressure. high cholesterol. following a high-fat diet. obesity. personal or family history of heart disease. diabetes..

The word “atherosclerosis” comes from the greek words “athero” (“paste”) and “sclerosis” (“hardness”). the disease starts slowly and progresses over time. if you have high cholesterol, the excess cholesterol eventually begins to collect on your artery walls..

Atherosclerosis complications. coronary artery disease: when arteries that supply oxygenated blood and nourishment to your heart are clogged, you may gradually develop coronary artery diseases like angina and heart attacks. carotid artery disease: when arteries that supply oxygenated blood and nourishment to your brain are clogged,…. Coronary artery disease — in this chronic (long-lasting) disease, atherosclerosis narrows the coronary arteries, the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. this can lead to the chest pain called angina. it also increases the risk of a heart attack, which occurs when a coronary artery is blocked completely..

Coronary artery disease — in this chronic (long-lasting) disease, atherosclerosis narrows the coronary arteries, the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. this can lead to the chest pain called angina. it also increases the risk of a heart attack, which occurs when a coronary artery is blocked completely.. Medications. your doctor can choose from a range of cholesterol medications, including drugs known as statins and fibrates. in addition to lowering cholesterol, statins have additional effects that help stabilize the lining of your heart arteries and prevent atherosclerosis. anti-platelet medications..