what causes arterial plaque
As plaque deposits grow, a condition called atherosclerosis results. This condition causes the arteries to narrow and harden. Although experts donât know for sure what starts atherosclerosis, the process seems to stem from damage to the arterial wall.This damage, which enables the deposition of plaque, may result from: HDL is believed to remove some of the bad cholesterol from plaque in clogged arteries and transport it back to the liver, where it is eliminated. 2  High blood pressure. 3  Having high blood pressure increases the rate at which arterial plaque builds up. 4  It also hastens the hardening of clogged arteries. 5  Cigarette smoke.