What is the difference between atherosclerosis, high cholesterol and plaque ?

Relevant concept: Atherosclerosis , high cholesterol and plaque belong to different categories, there are inherent connections between them. High choleterol is one reason for the development of plaque and atherosclerosis, and plaque is a stage and presentation of atherosclerosis.

High Cholesterol and: Triglcerides, either as an intrinsic genetic malady or diet and diabetes, lead to plaque, and then manifestations of atherosclerosis, including coronary artery disease. Treatmnt of chol/tg elevation reduces mortality and risk of coronary stenosis, and maybe other vascular events (stroke, aortic aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease).