The fatty streak. The "fatty streak" appears as a yellow streak running inside the walls of the major arteries, such as the aorta. The streak consists of cholesterol, white blood cells, and other cellular matter. The fatty streak by itself does not cause symptoms of heart disease but can develop into a more advanced form of atherosclerosis, called fibrous plaque.
The plaque. A plaque forms in the inner layer of the artery. Plaque is a buildup of cholesterol, white blood cells, calcium, and other substances in the walls of arteries. Over time, plaque narrows the artery, and the artery hardens. Plaque sometimes reduces blood flow to the heart muscle, which can cause angina symptoms. Plaque in the large artery in the neck carotid artery stenosis may block blood flow to the brain and is a common cause of transient ischemic attack sometimes called "mini-stroke" and stroke.
Stable and unstable plaque. Plaques are defined based on the risk that they will tear or rupture. Stable plaque is less likely to rupture. These plaques have a thick fibrous cap and are made up of substances that are stable and not likely to rupture. Unstable plaque is more likely to rupture. These plaques have a thin fibrous cap and are made up of substances like fats that can expand. Inflammation within the plaque can make the fibrous cap unstable and more likely to tear apart. Blocked artery.
A blockage in the artery can happen if the plaque tears or ruptures. This rupture exposes the cholesterol and tissue that was under the fibrous cap. Blood clots form in response to this rupture. The blood clot blocks the blood flow in the artery. This can cause a heart attack or stroke.
This theory suggests that atherosclerosis develops as a result of repetitive injury to the inner lining of the artery. Injury may stimulate cells to grow and divide as part of the inflammatory process. This normal, healing response to chronic injury may actually result in the growth of atherosclerotic plaque. Smoking plays a large role in the development of atherosclerosis.
The carbon monoxide and nicotine contained in tobacco smoke affect blood flow through your arteries by:. Atherosclerosis is one of the major causes of abdominal aortic aneurysm. The wall of the aorta and all blood vessels is a dynamic tissue made up of living cells that need nutrients and oxygen. Many of these nutrients seep from the inside of the blood vessel through the walls to nourish the rest of the blood vessel. When the inner lining of the vessel is covered with an atherosclerotic plaque, nutrients can no longer seep through sufficiently.
The cells receive no oxygen, and some of them die. Do you have questions about cholesterol? We have answers. Our FREE cholesterol guide will help you understand and manage your cholesterol, so you can take action and live healthy! Atherosclerosis and cholesterol Plaque fatty deposits build up in your arteries is called atherosclerosis. This can lead to conditions such as: Coronary heart disease plaque in arteries in or leading to the heart Angina chest pain from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle Carotid artery disease plaque in neck arteries supplying blood to the brain Peripheral artery disease , or PAD plaque in arteries of the extremities, especially the legs Chronic kidney disease Plaque presents a double threat Plaque itself can pose a risk.
In either case, the artery can be blocked, cutting off blood flow. How it starts and how it progresses Atherosclerosis is a slow, lifelong progression of changes in the blood vessels that may start in childhood and get worse faster as you age.
Last Reviewed: Nov 6, Watch, Learn and Live See your cardiovascular system in action with our interactive illustrations and animations. Explore the Library. My Cholesterol Guide Do you have questions about cholesterol? There are several types of PCI procedures, including:. Balloon angioplasty. A small balloon is inflated inside the blocked artery to open the blocked area. The blocked area inside the artery is shaved away by a tiny device on the end of a catheter.
Coronary artery stent. A tiny mesh coil is expanded inside the blocked artery to open the blocked area and is left in place to keep the artery open. Most commonly referred to as bypass surgery, this surgery is often done in people who have angina chest pain due to coronary artery disease where plaque has built up in the arteries. During the surgery, a bypass is created by grafting a piece of a healthy vein from elsewhere in the body and attaching it above and below the blocked area of a coronary artery.
This lets blood flow around the blockage. Veins are usually taken from the leg or from the chest wall. Sometimes more than one artery needs to be bypassed during the same surgery.
Plaque buildup inside the arteries reduces the blood flow. A heart attack may occur if the blood supply is reduced to the heart. A damaged heart muscle may not pump as well and can lead to heart failure.
A stroke may occur if the blood supply is cut off to the brain. Severe pain and tissue death may occur if the blood supply is reduced to the arms and legs. You can prevent or delay atherosclerosis by reducing risk factors. This includes adopting a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet, losing weight, being physically active, and not smoking can help reduce your risk of atherosclerosis.
A healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, skinless chicken, seafood, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. A healthy diet also limits sodium, refined sugars and grains, and solid fats. If you are at risk for atherosclerosis because of family history, or high cholesterol, it is important that you take medicines as directed by your healthcare provider. 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. Health Home Conditions and Diseases.
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