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Atherosclerosis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty material collects along the walls of arteries. This fatty material thickens, hardens, 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 substances called plaque.

Eventually, the plaque deposits can make the artery narrow and less flexible. This makes it harder for blood to flow. If the coronary arteries become narrow, blood flow to the heart can slow down or stop, causing chest pain ( stable angina ), shortness of breath, heart attack , and other symptoms.

Pieces of plaque can break apart and move through the bloodstream. This is a common cause of heart attack and stroke. Blood clots can also form around the plaque deposits. Clots block blood flow. If the clot moves into the heart, lungs, or brain, it can cause a stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism.

Risk factors for atherosclerosis include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• High-fat diet
• Obesity
• Personal or family history of heart disease
• Smoking

The following conditions have also been linked to atherosclerosis:

• Cerebrovascular disease
• Kidney disease involving dialysis
• Peripheral vascular disease

References:

Boden WE, O'rourke RA, Teo KK, et al. Optimal Medical Therapy with or without PCI for Stable Coronary Disease. N Engl J Med . 2007 Mar 26; [Epub ahead of print].

Mosca L, Banka CL, Benjamin EJ, et al. Evidence-Based Guidelines for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women: 2007 Update. Circulation . 2007; Published online before print February 19, 2007.

Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine , 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2005:921-935.

• Review Date: 3/30/2007
• Reviewed By: Larry A. Weinrauch, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Private practice specializing in Cardiovascular Disease, Watertown, MA, and Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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