How does atherosclerosis form?

Atherosclerosis occurs as a result of damage to the endothelial lining of blood vessels. Once the damage has occurred, the body induces an inflammatory response, causing white blood cells to arrive at the site of damage. These cells accumulate chemicals from the blood, particularly cholesterol, and this is what leads to the formation of a fatty deposit, known as an atheroma, to form on the endothelial lining. Fibrous tissue and calcium salts also build up around the atheroma, turning it into a hardened plaque. This hardened area means that part of the artery wall also hardens and is less elastic than it should be. This is atherosclerosis, resulting in a smaller lumen of the blood vessel and an increase in blood pressure.