What causes plaque to accumulate on the walls of the arteries which makes them thicken and lose elasticity?

Plaque accumulation in the arteries is primarily caused by a combination of high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, and Diabetes. These factors lead to endothelial damage, allowing cholesterol, fats, and other substances to infiltrate the arterial walls. Over time, this buildup forms plaques that thicken the artery walls and reduce their elasticity, contributing to atherosclerosis and increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Inflammation and oxidative stress also play crucial roles in the progression of plaque formation.