Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is what happens when deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and other substances build up in the inner lining of an artery. This buildup is called plaque. Atherosclerosis usually affects large and medium-sized arteries. Some hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis) often occurs when people grow older.

Atherosclerosis Plaques

Atherosclerosis causes some plaques that can grow large enough to reduce the blood's flow through an artery significantly. Most of the damage occurs when they become fragile and rupture. If they rupture they can cause blood clots to form that can block blood flow or break off and travel to another part of the body. If this happens and blocks a blood vessel that feeds the heart, it causes a heart attack. If a blood vessel that feeds the brain is blocked, it causes a stroke. And if blood supply to the arms or legs is reduced, atherosclerosis can cause difficulty walking and eventually gangrene.

Symptoms Of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis often shows no symptoms until flow within a blood vessel has become seriously compromised. Typical symptoms include chest pain when a coronary artery is involved, or leg pain when a leg artery is involved. Sometimes symptoms of atherosclerosis occur only with exertion. In some people, however, they may occur at rest.

Read More at cholesterolbasics.info