Atherosclerosis
Sometimes referred to as the 'hardening of arteries,' atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty substances - cholesterol, cellular waste, calcium and other materials - in the inner lining of an artery. This buildup is called plaque.
Plaque can grow large enough to significantly reduce the blood's flow through an artery. But most of the damage occurs when they become fragile and rupture. Plaque that ruptures causes blood clots to form that can block blood flow or break off and travel to another part of the body. When a blood vessel that feeds the heart is blocked, it causes a
heart attack
.
What causes atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a slow, complex disease that typically starts in childhood and progresses with age. In some people it progresses rapidly, even in their thirties. While damage to the innermost layer of the artery can be caused by factors a person can’t control, some factors are more directly related to lifestyle and can be avoided. The primary causes of atherosclerosis are:
- a diet high in cholesterol and triglycerides;
- high blood pressure;
- tobacco smoke; and
-
diabetes
.
Tobacco smoke greatly impacts atherosclerosis and speeds its growth in the coronary arteries. Learn about how to stop smoking.