Do you have to high cholesterol in order blocked arteries?

Not necessarily. Blocked arteries, also known as atherosclerosis, is caused by the buildup of plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances, on the walls of arteries. While high cholesterol is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, it is not the only cause. Other factors that can contribute to blocked arteries include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.