Atherosclerosis

Synonyms

Arteriosclerotic vascular disease or ASVD; Atheromatous plaque; Hardening of the arteries

Definition

Atherosclerosis is the progressive pathological process of buildup of plaque inside the blood vessels, resulting in blockage of blood flow through the vessels.

Current Knowledge

The plaque that causes atherosclerosis is comprised of fatty substances, cholesterol, cells, calcium, and fibrin, a stringy material found normally in the blood to help clot the blood. The plaque formation process stimulates the cells of the artery wall to produce substances that then accumulate in the vessel wall. Fat builds up within these cells and around them, and they form connective tissue and calcium. The artery wall thickens, the artery’s diameter is reduced, and blood flow and oxygen delivery are decreased. Plaques can rupture or crack open, causing the sudden formation of a blood clot (thrombosis). Atherosclerosis can cause angina or myocardial infarction if it blocks the blood flow in the...