Why does atherosclerosis occur?

Atherosclerosis is closely associated with multiple factors. The following are some common causes of atherosclerosis:

1. Hypertension: A long-term state of high blood pressure can cause damage to vascular endothelial cells, promoting the deposition of lipids and platelets in the vessel walls, thereby accelerating the formation of atherosclerosis.

2. Smoking is widely recognized as a key risk factor for atherosclerosis. Harmful substances in tobacco can injure the vascular endothelium, promote platelet aggregation and lipid deposition, thus accelerating the progression of atherosclerosis. Long-term smokers face a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis, which may lead to serious consequences such as heart disease and stroke.

3. "Bad cholesterol," or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, when present in excessive amounts in the blood, can deposit on the inner walls of blood vessels and gradually accumulate to form lipid plaques. These plaques are the foundation of atherosclerosis, can impede blood flow, and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The development of atherosclerosis results from the combined effects of multiple factors. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, undergo regular medical check-ups, and treat related conditions promptly.