Alternative Names
Arteriosclerosis; Hardening of the arteries; Plaque buildup – arteries
Definition of Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty material collects along the walls of arteries. This fatty material thickens, hardens (forms calcium deposits), and may eventually block the arteries.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Atherosclerosis is a common disorder that specifically affects the medium and large arteries. It occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries and form hard structures called plaques.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually do not occur until blood flow becomes restricted or blocked.
Signs and tests
A health care provider will perform a physical exam and listen to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope. Atherosclerosis can create a whooshing or blowing sound (“bruit”) over an artery.
Treatment
To help prevent atherosclerosis or its complications (such as heart disease and stroke), make the following lifestyle changes:
Expectations (prognosis)
Everyone starts to develop some amount of atherosclerosis as they grow older. In some people, the condition can cause complications such as a heart attack or stroke.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 5/26/2010
