Disease or Syndrome
atherosclerosis
ath·er·o·scle·ro·sis [ ath-uh-roh-skluh-roh-sis, ath- ]
Subclass of:
Arteriosclerosis
Also called:
Arteriosclerosis
Definitions related to atherosclerosis:
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A condition characterized by patchy atheromas or atherosclerotic plaques which develop in the walls of medium-sized and large arteries and can lead to arterial stenosis with reduced or blocked blood flow.Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO)The Human Phenotype Ontology Project, 2021
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A thickening and loss of elasticity of the walls of ARTERIES that occurs with formation of ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUES within the ARTERIAL INTIMA.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Age, lifestyle, diet, and gene related degeneration of arteries due to deposition of lipoid plaques (atheromas) on inner arterial walls; main cause of coronary artery disease, a leading cause of death.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries. Plaque is a sticky substance made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, plaque hardens and narrows your arteries. That limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your body. Atherosclerosis can lead to serious problems, including Coronary artery disease. These arteries supply blood to your heart. When they are blocked, you can suffer angina or a heart attack.; Carotid artery disease. These arteries supply blood to your brain. When they are blocked you can suffer a stroke.; Peripheral arterial disease. These arteries are in your arms, legs and pelvis. When they are blocked, you can suffer from numbness, pain and sometimes infections. Atherosclerosis usually doesn't cause symptoms until it severely narrows or totally blocks an artery. Many people don't know they have it until they have a medical emergency. A physical exam, imaging, and other diagnostic tests can tell if you have it. Medicines can slow the progress of plaque buildup. Your doctor may also recommend procedures such as angioplasty to open the arteries, or surgery on the coronary or carotid arteries. Lifestyle changes can also help. These include following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing stress. NIHMedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Build-up of fatty material and calcium deposition in the arterial wall resulting in partial or complete occlusion of the arterial lumen.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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The buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the walls of arteries, causing narrowing and reduced blood flow; the disease responsible for most heart attacks and many strokes.Harvard Dictionary of Health TermsHarvard Medical Publishing, 2011
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(atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) Cardiovascular disease resulting from atherosclerosis.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Atherosclerosis is characterized by patchy intimal plaques (atheromas) that encroach on the lumen of medium-sized and large arteries; the plaques contain lipids, inflammatory cells, smooth muscle cells, and connective tissue. Risk factors include dyslipidemia, diabetes, cigarette smoking, family history, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and...Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
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Atherosclerosis, chronic disease caused by the deposition of fats, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances in the innermost layer of endothelium of the large and medium-sized arteries. Atherosclerosis is the most common arterial abnormality characterized as arteriosclerosis, which is defined by...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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