What is Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a form of arteriosclerosis affecting large and medium-sized arteries. Fatty deposits, called plaques, damage the lining of arteries causing them to narrow and harden. As plaque deposits gradually enlarge, they interfere with blood flow.

This often leads to pain or decreased function in those tissues supplied by the affected arteries. Depending on which arteries are involved, atherosclerosis can cause a number of serious health problems.

Although the process leading to atherosclerosis may begin in childhood, it takes decades before it becomes severe enough to cause serious health problems. Most people are diagnosed with atherosclerosis after they develop symptoms.

However, because atherosclerosis develops over such a long period of time, people can be screened and treated for risk factors that predispose them to atherosclerosis.