What is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a disease that affects the blood vessels called arteries, which carry blood to the organs of the body. Normal arteries allow blood to flow freely. However, these arteries can become hardened and narrowed by deposits called plaques. These plaques are made up of cholesterol and inflammatory materials. This disease process is called atherosclerosis and it can occur in any artery in your body. Atherosclerotic plaques build up over time and can decrease the amount of blood flow to the area the artery supplies. Atherosclerosis can begin at a young age even though it may not cause problems until years later. Atherosclerosis increases the risk of kidney failure, heart disease, and stroke. ***** Medmovie content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
