Atherosclerosis may be predicted by high blood pressure in early adulthood

Atherosclerosis is when plaque - made up of fat, cholesterol and calcium, among other things - builds up inside a person's arteries. These plaque build-ups can limit the flow of blood, leading to serious and potentially fatal problems, such as disease of the heart or arteries.

Because atherosclerosis does not usually cause symptoms until it blocks an artery, many people do not know they have this condition until it causes a medical emergency.

People who have escalating levels of high blood pressure in early adulthood are more likely to develop atherosclerosis and associated heart problems in later life.