Atherosclerosis begins when LDL cholesterol particles accumulate beneath the inner lining of artery walls, triggering an inflammatory response. Over years, plaques of fat, immune cells, calcium, and fibrous tissue grow and narrow the artery. If a plaque ruptures, a clot can form suddenly — causing a heart attack (coronary artery disease) or stroke.
Risk factors include high LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, type 2 diabetes, physical inactivity, and excess abdominal fat.
Nutrition can influence several of these: replacing saturated and trans fats with unsaturated fats, increasing dietary fibre, limiting excess sodium, and maintaining a healthy body weight all have evidence for lowering cardiovascular risk. Nutrition works alongside — not instead of — medication where clinically indicated. Discuss your individual risk with your clinician.