Free radicals cause damage to the lining of the blood vessels first. As statins also have a limited antioxidant effects, it help reduce the oxidation that cause damage to the DNA of the lining of blood vessels.  LDL is the bandaid that patches the holes created by the oxidative stress damage to the lining of blood vessels.  The primary cause is the oxidative stress, while the continues padding causes the plague to accumulate.  The cure is to eliminate the cause or source of the free radicals that cause the oxidative stress.  Mostly, glycation and AGE are the main causes.