For some insight: Atherosclerosis is caused by repeated injury to the walls of arteries caused by high blood pressure. There are othe causes that contribute to this injury, tobacco smoke, diabetes and high levels of cholesterol in the blood.
Often, the first symptom is pain or cramps at times when blood flow cannot keep up with the tissues‘ need for oxygen. To stop or prevent atherosclerosis, people need to stop using tobacco, improve their diet, exercise regularly, and maintain control of their blood pressure and diabetes.
Hope this helps, and if you have any followup questions you are welcome to respond. Take care.