Many scientists believe plaque begins when an artery’s inner lining becomes damaged. Four possible causes of such damage are:

• Elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood
• High blood pressure
• Tobacco smoking, such as cigarettes
• Diabetes.

Smoking plays a big role in the progression of atherosclerosis in the aorta (the body’s main artery), coronary arteries and arteries in the legs. Smoking makes fatty deposits more likely to form, and it speeds up the growth of plaque”.⁷

Risk factors include:

• Being older than age 45 (for people assigned male at birth or AMAB)
• Being older than age 55 (for people assigned female at birth or AFAB)
• Family history of premature cardiovascular disease. This means a close biological family member who’s AMAB received a cardiovascular disease diagnosis before age 45. Or, one who’s AFAB got a diagnosis before age 55
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), especially high LDL cholesterol or high levels of a specific lipoprotein called lipoprotein (a)
• Metabolic syndrome
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Lack of physical activity
• Eating foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and sugar”.⁹

• Eat foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium (salt) and sugar
• Get regular physical activity. Start with short walks and build up to 30 minutes a day most days of the week
• Keep a weight that’s healthy for you. Ask your provider what that should be
• Manage any health conditions, especially diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Don’t use tobacco products
• Have a yearly checkup with a healthcare provider”.¹⁰

Early diagnosis and treatment can stop atherosclerosis from worsening and prevent a heart attack, stroke or another medical emergency”.¹¹