What is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is often referred to as "hardening of the arteries."

• It is a build up of cholesterol and other fat substances within the walls of the arteries.
• It is a progressive disease and can develop in any artery in the body.
• A gradual build up of fatty deposits (cholesterol and fat), called plaque, that occurs on the inside of the lining of the artery wall causing the opening to narrow. These deposits usually develop over many years.
• Narrowing of the arteries by 70% or more decreases the blood flow through the artery and may prevent body tissues and organs from receiving an adequate blood supply. This lack of blood flow decreases the amount of oxygen being delivered to the tissues and organs resulting in symptoms such as aching or pain in the chest (angina) or cramping in the legs.
• Permanent damage to body tissues and organs can occur if the blood and oxygen supply disruption is prolonged or very severe. Permanent damage results in the death of that area being supplied and is referred to as an infarction.