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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Disease > A > Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Arteriosclerosis; Hardening of the arteries

Definition:

The terms can be a little confusing. "Athero"-sclerosis is a disease in which fatty material is deposited on the wall of your arteries, which narrows the arteries and eventually restricts blood flow.

It is one of several types of "Arterio"-sclerosis, a disease characterized by thickening and hardening of artery walls. However, the word "atherosclerosis" is often used to indicate any of the forms of arteriosclerosis.

Causes and Risks

Atherosclerosis is a common disorder of the arteries. Fat, cholesterol, and other substances accumulate in the walls of arteries and form "atheromas" or plaques. Eventually, the fatty tissue can erode the wall of the artery, diminish the elasticity (stretchiness) of the artery, and interfere with the blood flow.

Clots may form around the plaque deposits, further interfering with blood flow. When blood flow in the arteries to heart muscle becomes severely restricted, it leads to symptoms like chest pain.

Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, obesity, high blood cholesterol, a diet high in fats, and having a personal or family history of heart disease. Cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, high blood pressure, and kidney disease involving dialysis are also disorders that may also be associated with atherosclerosis.

Ency. home > Disease > A > Atherosclerosis

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