What is atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis caused by the buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. (Arteriosclerosis is a general term for thickening or hardening of the arteries). The board is made up of deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin, and can develop in the arteries medium or large. The artery wall thickens and loses its elasticity.
Atherosclerosis is a slowly progressive disease that may start in childhood. However, the disease has the potential to progress rapidly.
What is the cause of atherosclerosis?
It is unknown exactly how atherosclerosis begins or what causes it. Some scientists think that certain risk factors that may be associated with atherosclerosis, including the following:
* High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
* The high blood pressure.
* Smoking.
* Diabetes mellitus (diabetes type I).
* Obesity.
* Physical inactivity.
* Diet high in saturated fat.
