ATHEROSCLEROSIS
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Atherosclerosis, a progressive process
responsible for most heart disease, is a type of arteriosclerosis or
hardening of the arteries. An artery is made up of several layers:
an inner lining called the endothelium, an elastic membrane that
allows the artery to expand and contract, a layer of smooth muscle,
and a layer of connective tissue. Arteriosclerosis is a broad term
that includes a hardening of the inner and middle layers of the
artery. It can be caused by normal aging, by high blood pressure,
and by diseases such as diabetes. Atherosclerosis is a type of
arteriosclerosis that affects only the inner lining of an artery. It
is characterized by plaque deposits that block the flow of blood.
Plaque is made of fatty substances, cholesterol, waste products from
the cells, calcium, and fibrin, a stringy material that helps clot
blood. The plaque formation process stimulates the cells of the
artery wall to produce substances that accumulate in the inner layer.
Fat builds up within these cells and around them, and they form
connective tissue and calcium. The inner layer of the artery wall
thickens, the artery's diameter is reduced, and blood flow and
oxygen delivery are decreased. Plaques can rupture or crack open,
causing the sudden formation of a blood clot (thrombosis).
Atherosclerosis can cause a heart attack if it completely blocks the
blood flow in the heart (coronary) arteries. It can cause a stroke
if it completely blocks the brain (carotid) arteries.
Atherosclerosis can also occur in the arteries of the neck, kidneys,
thighs, and arms, causing kidney failure or gangrene and amputation. |
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