Heart disease is a term that describes a number of heart and blood vessel problems. These are often caused by atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries that results from the building up of plaque. Plaque is made of cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin. As plaque builds up in the blood vessel, it makes it harder for blood to flow through. This decrease in blood flow can result in coronary...
Heart disease is a term that describes a number of heart and blood vessel problems. These are often caused by atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries that results from the building up of plaque. Plaque is made of cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin. As plaque builds up in the blood vessel, it makes it harder for blood to flow through. This decrease in blood flow can result in coronary heart disease, angina (chest pain), carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and chronic kidney disease. Another risk of plaque buildup is that a piece can break off and result in a stroke or heart attack.
An unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, being overweight and smoking are believed to be possible (but correctable) causes of atherosclerosis.
So, the short answer to your question is that fatty substances called plaques can build up inside blood vessels, decreasing blood flow and increasing your chances of developing heart disease.
The American Heart Association site (first link) has a good animation showing the buildup of plaque in blood vessels.
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