Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty material collects along the walls of arteries. This fatty material thickens, hardens (forms calcium deposits), 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 structures called plaques.
Eventually, the plaques can make the artery narrow and less flexible, making it harder for blood to flow. If the coronary arteries become narrow, blood flow to the heart can slow down or stop. This can cause chest pain (stable angina), shortness of breath, heart attack, and other symptoms.
Pieces of plaque can break off and move through the bloodstream (embolization). This is a common cause of heart attack and stroke. Blood clots can also form around a tear (fissure) in the plaque. Clots block blood flow. If the clot moves into an artery in the heart, lungs, or brain, it can cause a stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism.
Arteriosclerosis of the extremities (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Arteriosclerosis of the extremities is a disease of the blood vessels that leads to narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply the legs and feet. This decreases blood flow, which can injure nerves and other tissues.Peripheral vascular dis...Reviewer: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 05/15/2008
Thromboangiitis obliterans (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Thromboangiitis obliterans is a rare disease in which blood vessels of the hands and feet become obstructed.Thromboangiitis obliterans(Buerger''s disease) is caused by vasculitis(inflammation of the blood vessels).The blood vessels of the hands and...Reviewer: Neil J. Gonter, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, and private practice specializing in Rheumatology at Rheumatology Associates of North Jersey, Teaneck, NJ. Review provided by Verimed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 10/27/2008
Arterial insufficiency (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Arterial insufficiency is a lack of enough blood flow through the arteries.One of the most common causes of arterial insufficiency is atherosclerotic disease.Arterial insufficiency can affect many different parts of the body. The specific symptoms...Reviewer: Larry A. Weinrauch, M.D. Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and private practice specializing in Cardiovascular Disease, Watertown, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/22/2007
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