Blood pressure becomes StrictionBP high because of fatty build up inside the arterial walls. When artery walls crack plaque moves in to repair the damage. Oxidized plaque however contributes to more damage to the artery wall rather than repair. Once plaque begins to accumulate in the cracks of the artery wall it reduces the circumference of the inside of the artery wall. This increases the pressure on the artery. This extra pressure puts more stress on the cardiovascular system and the heart. It can lead to a ruptured artery, which is called a stroke or a blocked artery in the heart which is called a heart attack. In other places it can become a blood clot which also impedes circulation.