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Atherosclerosis Health Channel

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Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the left artery

Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the right artery

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Atherosclerosis

Definition

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty material collects along the walls of arteries. This fatty material thickens, hardens, and may eventually block the arteries.

Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis. The two terms are often used to mean the same thing.

Alternative Names

Arteriosclerosis; Hardening of the arteries; Plaque buildup - arteries

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Atherosclerosis is a common disorder of the arteries. It occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries and form hard substances called plaque.

Eventually, the plaque deposits can make the artery narrow and less flexible. This makes it harder for blood to flow. If the coronary arteries become narrow, blood flow to the heart can slow down or stop, causing chest pain (stable angina), shortness of breath, heart attack, and other symptoms.

Pieces of plaque can break apart and move through the bloodstream. This is a common cause of heart attack and stroke. Blood clots can also form around the plaque deposits. Clots block blood flow. If the clot moves into the heart, lungs, or brain, it can cause a stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism.

Risk factors for atherosclerosis include:

Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
High-fat diet
Obesity
Personal or family history of heart disease
Smoking

The following conditions have also been linked to atherosclerosis:

Cerebrovascular disease
Kidney disease involving dialysis
Peripheral vascular disease

Symptoms

Symptoms usually do not occur until blood flow becomes slowed or blocked.

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Stroke secondary to atherosclerosis (2 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Stroke secondary to atherosclerosis refers to loss of neurologic functions (brain attack), which occurs because¿of atherosclerosis. Reviewer: Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy. Previously reviewed by Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. (April 2006)Date: 02/20/2007
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