Form of arteriosclerosis characterized by the deposition of atheromatous plaques containing cholesterol and lipids on the innermost layer of the walls of large‐ and medium‐sized arteries.
The condition in which an artery wall thickens as the result of a build-up of fatty materials such as cholesterol.
Hardening of the arteries.
A form of arteriosclerosis in which fatty deposits of cholesterol and calcium develop on the blood vessel walls.
Degenerative disease in which there is accumulation of lipids, together with complex carbohydrates and fibrous tissue (atheroma) on the inner wall of arteries. This leads to narrowing of the lumen of the arteries.
A type of arteriosclerosis in which the inner layer of the artery wall becomes thick and irregular due to fat deposits, decreasing the inner diameter of the artery.
The natural aging changes that occur in blood vessels, including thickening of the walls, loss of elastic connective tissue, and hardening of the vessel wall.
A pathological process that results in the buildup of plaque inside the blood vessels.
Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries. It is caused by the slow buildup of plaque on the inside of walls of the arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to other parts of the body.
Thickening, hardening and loss of elasticity of the walls of arteries.
Changes of arterial walls that lead to arteriosclerosis.
A condition characterized by the accumulation of plaque within the arterial walls. This results in a narrowing of the arteries, which reduces blood and oxygen flow to the heart and brain, as well as to other parts of the body, and can lead to heart attack, stroke, and loss of function or death of other tissues.
A “hardening” of an artery with deposits of cholesterol and blood cells on the inner lining of the artery, accompanied by the formation of plaques that can partially or totally impede blood flow.
An accumulation of fat in the artery walls. The arteries become roughened and narrowed and blood flow is restricted. It is the underlying cause of heart attacks and strokes.
A subset of arteriosclerosis specifically involving the inner lining of an artery.
A condition in which deposits of fats and minerals form on the walls of an artery, especially the aorta or one of the coronary or cerebral arteries, and prevent blood from flowing easily.
A progressive degenerative condition occurring within the vascular tree and resulting in occlusions and loss of vascular elasticity. Vessels are occluded when deposits of sterols and minerals (plaques) attach to the interior aspect (the intima) of the vessels. When these occur within the heart vascular system, the disease is cardiovascular disease or atherosclerosis. When these deposits occur else where the disease is arteriosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is the formation of plaque along the walls of blood vessels, which causes “hardening of the arteries.” As the opening of the blood vessel narrows due to plaque accumulation, risk for loss of blood supply to that part of the body occurs. Many nutritional and non-nutritional factors are responsible for the formation of these plaques. Exercise is important for the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Buildup of fatty tissue in the arteries, sometimes resulting from too much cholesterol in the body.
Common disorder of the arteries in which plaques consisting mostly of cholesterol and lipids form on the inner arterial wall. As a result the vessels become nonelastic and the lumen is narrowed, leading to decreased blood flow. Atherosclerosis is also associated with hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and some hereditary metabolic disorders. In some cases, segments of occluded arteries may be surgically bypassed (as in coronary bypass surgery). Preventive measures include cessation of smoking, a low-fat diet, exercise, and avoidance of stress. Also called coronary artery disease.
Plaque formation on the inner arterial wall of a blood vessel.
A disease in which yellowish fatty plaques form along the inner walls of the arteries; it is the most common form of arteriosclerosis.
A disease in which deposits of fat and other materials accumulate in and on the inner walls of the arteries, narrowing them and causing them to lose their elasticity, strength, and flexibility. The fatty deposits are often called atheromas or plaques. Atherosclerosis comes from two Greek roots: “ather,” which means “porridge” and refers to the soft, lumpy appearance of the fatty deposits; and “sclerosis,” which means “hardening.” Atherosclerosis is often referred to popularly as hardening of the arteries.
A disease of the arteries in which fatty plaques develop on their inner walls, with eventual obstruction of blood flow.
The most common form of arteriosclerosis, marked by cholesterol-lipid-calcium deposits in the walls of arteries that may restrict blood flow.
The most common type of arteriosclerosis in which fatty deposits accumulate within the blood vessel walls of medium and large arteries.
A type of arteriosclerosis and is a progressive condition that results in a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels.
A disease characterized by the buildup of fatty materials on the inside walls of the arteries.
A condition in which cholesterol and other fatty materials build up on artery walls.
Type of arteriosclerosis characterized by plaque formation or the buildup of fatty tissue in the inner layers of the wall of the arteries.
A progressive degenerative arterial disease characterized by a narrowing of blood flow through affected arteries due to the formation of arterial fibrous plaque layers.
The most common form of arteriosclerosis in which the inner walls of the arteries are narrowed by deposits of cholesterol and other material.
A pathological state characterized by the thickening of the arterial wall due to the accumulation of lipids, specifically cholesterol and related substances.
A persistent condition marked by the thickening and hardening of arteries, along with the accumulation of plaque on the arterial walls. Atherosclerosis can impede or restrict the normal flow of blood.
Atherosclerosis is characterized by the buildup of cholesterol and other lipid substances within the arterial walls, resulting in the narrowing of the arteries. This condition can affect arteries in any part of the body and is a significant contributor to conditions such as stroke, heart attack, and diminished blood circulation in the lower extremities.
The narrowing of arteries occurs when lipids transported in the bloodstream accumulate on the inner lining of the arteries, giving rise to atheromatous plaques with a distinct yellow appearance. These plaques impose restrictions on the flow of blood within the arteries, impeding its smooth passage. Furthermore, the muscular layer of the arterial wall experiences thickening, leading to further constriction of the artery’s diameter. Platelets, diminutive blood cells responsible for coagulation, can aggregate in clusters on the surface of these deposits, setting off the process of blood clot formation. In the event of a substantial clot, complete occlusion of the artery can transpire, ultimately depriving the corresponding organ of its vital oxygen supply. A total blockage in a coronary artery can give rise to an abrupt and frequently fatal occurrence known as a heart attack.
The likelihood of developing atherosclerosis is predominantly influenced by the cholesterol level present in the circulatory system, which is influenced by both dietary choices and genetic predisposition. Atherosclerosis tends to be more prevalent in industrialized nations, where a significant portion of the population consumes a high-fat diet. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, can also contribute to elevated cholesterol levels, regardless of dietary habits.
In its initial phases, atherosclerosis typically manifests without noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition advances, symptoms arise due to the diminished or complete cessation of blood flow to the organs served by the affected arteries.
When the coronary arteries, which provide blood to the heart muscle, are partially obstructed, symptoms such as angina pectoris, characterized by chest pain, may manifest. In the case of narrowed arteries supplying blood to the brain, temporary ischemic attacks (brief episodes of stroke symptoms lasting less than 24 hours) and bouts of dizziness can occur.
Intermittent claudication, characterized by cramp-like pain experienced during walking, commonly serves as the initial indication of atherosclerosis in the arteries of the legs. In cases where the condition is linked to an inherited lipid disorder, fatty accumulations can emerge on tendons or present as visible nodules beneath the skin.
To assess the flow of blood within an artery, medical professionals employ techniques such as angiography, which involves taking X-ray images after administering a radiopaque substance, or Doppler ultrasound scanning. These diagnostic methods provide valuable insights into the blood circulation within the arteries.
The most effective approach in addressing atherosclerosis is to impede its progression through the diligent practice of a healthy lifestyle. This entails embracing a low-fat diet, refraining from smoking, engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining an optimal weight in accordance with height recommendations. By adhering to these measures, the risk of developing significant atherosclerosis can be notably diminished.
Individuals who exhibit elevated blood cholesterol levels despite being in overall good health are often recommended to embrace a low-fat diet. In some cases, they may also be prescribed medications aimed at reducing blood cholesterol levels. For individuals who have experienced a heart attack, studies have indicated potential advantages in lowering blood cholesterol levels, even if the levels fall within the average range for individuals in good health.
Individuals with atherosclerosis or those deemed to be at risk may receive a prescription for medications such as aspirin, which helps mitigate the formation of blood clots on the damaged lining of arteries. This proactive measure aims to reduce the risk associated with clot formation in individuals affected by atherosclerosis.
In cases where individuals are deemed to be at a high risk of severe complications due to atherosclerosis, surgical interventions such as coronary angioplasty (also known as balloon angioplasty) may be recommended. This procedure aims to address the narrowed or obstructed coronary arteries. In situations where blood flow to the heart is significantly impeded, a coronary artery bypass surgery may be performed to restore adequate blood flow. These surgical treatments play a crucial role in managing atherosclerosis-related conditions and ensuring improved blood circulation.