Inner area of the artery (endothelium)

• High Blood Pressure
• High levels of cholesterol
• Smoking
• High levels of sugar in the blood

 

Areas of the artery that are damaged are likely to have plaque buildup which can eventually break open. When the plaque breaks open, blood cell fragments called thrombocytes (or platelets) accumulate at the affected area. These fragments can then stick together, forming blood clots.