Plaque rupture is a dangerous condition in which a formation of plaque within an artery ruptures, releasing fatty particles and other non-soluble material into the bloodstream. There are several dangerous situations that may result from this event.After the rupture, the site of the rupture could seal over with an overlying clot, causing a potentially larger blockage in the artery. Also, the fatty particles may become lodged (as embolisms) further downstream in the artery. In either case, the result may be a heart attack or stroke.