What Causes the Buildup of Plaque in the Arteries?
Plaque is made up of excess cholesterol, calcium and other substances that float in your blood and eventually become lodged on the walls of the arteries, causing the lining to become thickened and roughened by these fatty deposits. This process is called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. High cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking also contribute to coronary artery disease.
