About Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (pronounced ath-uh-roh-skluh-roh-sis) is the progressive buildup of plaque — fatty deposits and other cells — in the walls of your arteries. Its name comes from the Greek words athero (meaning gruel or paste) and sclerosis (hardness).

One surprising fact about atherosclerosis, or athero as we call it, is how early the disease can begin inside us. For many, the process may start in early adulthood. As we get older, arterial plaque can build up and restrict blood flow. Over time this disease can eventually clog your arteries, making them stiff and inflexible.

The Consequences of Atherosclerosis

The consequences of athero can be severe and far-reaching. Clogged arteries cut off the flow of blood to the brain and heart and can lead to a heart attack or stroke. While athero is primarily a disease of medium and large arteries, in other arteries athero can cause other conditions, like peripheral arterial disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and even erectile dysfunction.

Consider the following facts about how athero has affected us as a nation:

• Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of coronary heart disease and stroke, which were responsible for 602,000 deaths in 2004 — more than 25% of all deaths in the United States
• Each year about 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with coronary heart disease and about 700,000 people will suffer a stroke
• More than 8 million Americans are affected by peripheral arterial disease
• For many, athero is a silent disease, with no visible signs or symptoms until it suddenly leads to a heart attack or stroke

Stable and Unstable Plaque

Because plaque tends to build up slowly in the arteries, athero usually has no symptoms until the artery becomes severely narrowed or completely blocked. There are two types of plaque that can form in the artery walls:

• Stable plaque has a thick fibrous cap made of smooth muscle cells. As plaque grows, it can reduce blood flow to the brain, heart, or other parts of the body
• Unstable plaque is much more dangerous because it has a thin cap. As a result, it may rupture, causing an acute, life-threatening heart attack

Whether the plaque in your arteries grows as stable or unstable, all plaque contains a lipid core — fatty deposits made of cholesterol and other cells. Learn how cholesterol can fuel the progression of athero.

Learn more about the cholesterol connection »