Atherosclerosis is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by the thickening and hardening of arteries due to the buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. This plaque is composed of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin. The accumulation of plaque leads to narrowed arteries, reducing blood flow and oxygen supply to vital organs and extremities. Atherosclerosis is a pattern of arteriosclerosis, with the latter simply referring to the hardening of the arteries.
The disease often progresses silently for decades, with symptoms only appearing when the narrowing of arteries becomes severe enough to impede blood flow. This can lead to various complications depending on the affected arteries, including coronary artery disease, angina, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and chronic kidney disease. Risk factors include high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and a diet high in saturated fats. Recent research emphasizes the role of inflammation, specific genes, and immune responses in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Emerging data also suggests that structures outside the vascular intima and media are closely related to atherosclerosis.
