What is atherosclerosis and what causes it?

What is atherosclerosis and what causes it?

Atherosclerosis is thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. Risk factors may include high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical activity, and eating saturated fats.

What exactly happens in atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on your artery walls. This buildup is called plaque. The plaque can cause your arteries to narrow, blocking blood flow. The plaque can also burst, leading to a blood clot.

How does atherosclerosis affect the body?

Over time, plaque hardens and narrows your arteries. This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your organs and other parts of your body. Atherosclerosis can lead to serious problems, including heart attack, stroke, or even death.

What is the difference between atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is the progressive accumulation and build-up of plaque inside the arterial walls, while arteriosclerosis is the hardening or thickening of the arterial walls.

What are the hazards of atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a condition that causes blockages in the walls of arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Artery blockages make it harder for blood to flow. This restriction can cause chest pain, heart attack and other health issues. Atherosclerosis can be dangerous,…

What foods cause atherosclerosis?

Saturated fats are found in animal-based foods such as meats, butter, whole milk dairy products (including yoghurt, cheese and ice cream) and poultry skin. Study after study has shown that the more saturated fats people get in their diets, the higher their risk for atherosclerosis.

How serious is atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis (also known as hardening of the arteries or stiffening of the arteries or arteriosclerosis) is a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries. Atherosclerosis can lead to serious problems, including heart attack, stroke, or even death.