Cardiovascular plaques (atherosclerotic plaques) form due to various factors that progressively impair the normal functions of the arterial wall and lead to the development of roughened areas over time. These risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, being over 45 for men and over 55 for women, and a family history of atherosclerosis. Arterial plaques represent the initial stage of arterial blockage, laying the groundwork for more serious occlusions that may develop later.