PLAQUE

A plaque is a thick, wax-like coating that forms on the inner walls of vessels supplying the heart or other areas in the body. Persistently high cholesterol levels can contribute to the formation of plaque.
Plaques are typically made up of cholesterol and other fats, calcium deposits, cells, and cell debris. They can build up over time, restricting blood flow.

Blood clots can form at the plaque and either obstruct blood flow or break off, affecting the organ connected to the artery. Though more rare, part of the plaque itself can break off and cause an obstruction (embolus).

When blood vessels are narrowed, stiffened or clogged by cardiovascular disease, organs and tissues cannot get the blood, oxygen, and nutrients that they need to function. This could cause serious complications and possibly death. A recent study has shown that high cholesterol not only contributes to the formation of plaques on blood vessel walls, it can also make these plaques more likely to break apart and cause life-threatening blood clots.