Atherosclerosis can be caused by which of the following?

• A. Stroke
• B. All of the above
• C. Plaque
• D. Low blood pressure

Answer: (B)

Atherosclerosis is driven by plaque buildup inside the arterial walls. This plaque, made up of lipids, inflammatory cells, calcium, and connective tissue, forms as a response to endothelial injury and lipid infiltration. Over time, the plaque narrows and stiffens the vessel, reducing blood flow. A stroke can occur as a consequence when a plaque ruptures or a clot forms at the narrowed site, cutting off blood flow to part of the brain. Low blood pressure, on the other hand, does not initiate the plaque-forming process; it’s not a direct cause, and high blood pressure is a known risk factor instead. So the direct cause among these options is the plaque itself.