Definition. Asperger syndrome is a neurological disorder resulting in a group of social and behavioral symptoms. It is part of a category of conditions called autism spectrum disorders. Children with Asperger syndrome usually have normal intelligence and do not have the language problems typical of autism.
As plaque deposits grow, a condition called atherosclerosis results. This condition causes the arteries to narrow and harden. Although experts donât know for sure what starts atherosclerosis, the process seems to stem from damage to the arterial wall.This damage, which enables the deposition of plaque, may result from: HDL is believed to remove some of the bad cholesterol from plaque in clogged arteries and transport it back to the liver, where it is eliminated. 2  High blood pressure. 3  Having high blood pressure increases the rate at which arterial plaque builds up. 4  It also hastens the hardening of clogged arteries. 5  Cigarette smoke.
Some hardening of the arteries is normal as you age. Exactly how atherosclerosis begins or what causes it isn't known, but some theories have been proposed. Many scientists believe plaque begins when an arteryâs inner lining (called the endothelium) becomes damaged. Three possible causes of damage are: Elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood; High blood pressure; Cigarette smoking; Smoking has a big role in the growth of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries, aorta and arteries in the legs. It makes fatty deposits more likely to form and to grow bigger and faster. This content was last reviewed April 2017.