Cardiovascular diseases involve the heart and blood vessels and are caused by multiple factors. Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis where plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow. It develops over many years as a response to damage from high cholesterol, blood pressure, and smoking, which further aggravates and accelerates the hardening and narrowing of the arteries. Managing risk factors like controlling blood pressure, quitting smoking, cholesterol diet, exercise and medication can help prevent and treat atherosclerosis.