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Jump to What is atherosclerosis? Blood flows through your arteries like water through a hose, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your organs. Atherosclerosis occurs when your arteries become clogged with fatty deposits (plaque), causing them to lose their elasticity and become narrower. Plaque is a sticky mixture of fatty streaks that build up, making the walls of the arteries thick and hard. Over time, the artery narrows or gets blocked. This stops blood from flowing through the artery. The arteries in the heart (coronary arteries), neck (carotid arteries) and the legs are affected most often. A plaque can also break apart. If this happens, a blood clot (thrombus) forms at the break and blocks blood flow. Or the blood clot can move through the bloodstream, blocking blood flow to organs. Atherosclerosis usually starts early in life. Many people have plaque by middle age. Mild plaque often doesn’t affect blood flow very much. Atherosclerosis doesn’t usually have any symptoms until the artery is blocked by at least half. Complications from atherosclerosisDepending on which artery is blocked, atherosclerosis can cause several health problems. Coronary artery disease and angina When the major arteries to your heart become affected by atherosclerosis, it can lead to coronary artery disease (CAD) or angina. The heart is a muscle and needs a supply of oxygen-rich blood like every other muscle in the body. If one or more of the coronary arteries becomes narrowed or blocked, blood flow to the heart can slow down or stop. Coronary artery disease can cause a heart attack. If plaque forms in the very small arteries of the heart, it can cause coronary microvascular disease. Microvascular angina can cause chest pain even when tests don’t show any blockages in the bigger arteries. Carotid artery disease If the arteries in your neck become narrow or blocked, blood flow to the brain can slow down or stop. A piece of plaque can break off, travel through the arteries to the brain, block blood vessels in the brain and cause a stroke or mini-stroke (TIA). Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) If the arteries in your legs or arms become narrow or blocked, you may develop peripheral arterial disease (PAD), leading to cramping muscular pain while walking or during exercise. Pain in the leg is usually the first sign of PAD, but PAD can occur elsewhere in the body. It may also affect the arteries supplying blood to your kidneys or stomach, increasing the risk of organ damage. Learn more about PAD from the American Heart Association and the Vascular Disease Foundation. Aneurysm Atherosclerosis can cause an aneurysm, which is a bulge in a weakened area of your artery wall. The bulge can burst and cause internal bleeding in the brain. It can be fatal when an aneurysm in the largest artery (the aorta) bursts. Who is at risk? Risk factors for atherosclerosis include:
Find out more about how you can reduce your risk of developing atherosclerosis. Causes Atherosclerosis is a slow, progressive condition that may begin as early as childhood. Its causes are complicated and not completely understood, but atherosclerosis is thought to start when the inner lining of the artery becomes damaged. The damage can be caused by:
The blood vessel wall reacts to this injury by depositing a plaque made up of fatty substances, cholesterol, calcium and other substances on the inner lining of the artery. Gradually, the blood vessels narrow, making it harder for blood to flow. Symptoms Sometimes atherosclerosis causes no symptoms until it is advanced enough to block a large part of an important blood vessel. If the blockage occurs in an artery of the heart (coronary artery), it will cause angina (chest pain). As it progresses, atherosclerosis in the arteries of the heart may cause a heart attack or if it develops in the brain, it can cause a stroke. If the blockage is in the legs, it can cause leg cramps during exercise or walking. Diagnosis Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, give you a complete physical exam and run blood tests. Atherosclerosis tests include:
Blood tests to measure cholesterol and triglycerides (lipids) are used to find out if healthy people are at risk for atherosclerosis. Lipid screening is recommended for people over 40, and for people who have risk factors regardless of their age. Ask your family physician if you are eligible for lipid screening, if you are not being screened already. Treatment Atherosclerosis can be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, surgery or other procedures. Lifestyle You can lower your risk of other heart diseases and stroke by knowing and controlling your blood pressure, diabetes and blood cholesterol. It is also important to lead a healthy lifestyle:
Talk to your doctor about the lifestyle changes that will benefit you the most. Medications You may be prescribed medication to:
Surgery If you have severe atherosclerosis, your doctor may suggest surgery to manage your condition. Atherosclerosis procedures include:
Living with atherosclerosis It’s normal to feel worried or afraid after a diagnosis of atherosclerosis. Find someone you can turn to for emotional support like a family member, friend, doctor, mental health worker or support group. Talking about your challenges and feelings could be an important part of your journey to recovery.
Cardiac rehabilitation is a personalized program of exercise, education and counselling to help you recover from heart disease and reduce your risk of having other heart problems in the future. Talk to your doctor about how to find a program in your area or contact your public health department or hospital. The Canadian Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation also has a cardiac rehabilitation program directory to help you find a program in your community. Related Information To find useful services to help you on your journey with heart disease, see our services and resources listing. A quick guide to your vascular system – the foundation of your heart and brain health. This short animation from the British Heart Foundation will give you a quick look at how high cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking can lead to blocked arteries (blood vessels). And how blocked arteries can lead to a heart attack or a stroke. Looking for support?Check out our support & recovery section
Recommended for you Groups help you stay up to date with the information and resources that matter to you.Heart DonorsWhich of the following is a condition that can result from fatty deposits forming in the inner lining of the arteries?Atherosclerosis is thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. Risk factors may include high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical activity, and eating saturated fats.
Which of the following is a condition that can result from fatty deposits forming?Atherosclerosis, sometimes called "hardening of the arteries," occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries. These deposits are called plaques.
What can fatty deposits lead to?If you're inactive, fatty deposits can build up in your arteries. If the arteries that supply blood to your heart become blocked, it can lead to a heart attack. If the arteries that supply blood to your brain are affected it can cause a stroke.
What is the name for the accumulation of fatty deposits?Plaque (fatty deposits) build up in your arteries is called atherosclerosis. These deposits are made up of cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin (a clotting material in the blood). Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis.
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