Atherosclerosis, sometimes called
"hardening of the arteries," occurs when cholesterol, calcium, and other
substances build up in the inner lining of the arteries, forming a material
called plaque. Over time, plaque buildup may narrow the artery and limit blood
flow through it.
Coronary artery disease is atherosclerosis in the heart (coronary)
arteries. Peripheral arterial disease of the legs is atherosclerosis in the leg
arteries. If atherosclerosis affects the brain arteries (carotid or cerebral
arteries), a stroke can occur.
ByHealthwise Staff Primary Medical ReviewerRakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Specialist Medical ReviewerRobert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Medical Review:
Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
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