How can diet increase risk of cardiovascular disease?

A diet high in saturated fats can increase risk of cardiovascular disease. This is due to higher blood cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a major constituent of the fatty streaks deposited in the artery lining to form atheromas. As the fatty streaks build up, it forms an atherosclerotic plaque which can narrows and even block arteries. If a coronary artery is blocked, heart tissue will not receive the blood supply and nutrients it needs to survive. This leads to a myocardial infarction. A high salt diet can also increase risk of cardiac events by elevating blood pressure. High blood pressure increases risk of damage to artery walls, which consequently have increased risk of atheroma formation. Atheromas can result in blood clots that can again block arteries, leading to myocardial infarction or stroke.