What is atherosclerosis, what causes it
and what is the effect on the human body?
Carlee
Atherosclerosis is a disease affecting arterial blood vessels. Atherosclerosis is also known as “hardening or “furring” of the arteries. Hardening of the arteries means when the artery becomes less elastic.
Atherosclerosis comes from the Greek words athero which means paste and sclerosis which means hardness. Atherosclerosis is process in which deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and other substances build up in the inner lining of the artery. The buildup is called plaque. It usually doesn’t affect small arteries, usually only medium and large arteries
Atherosclerosis is caused by a response to damage to the endothelium from high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cigarette smoking. "The Endothelium is the thin layer of cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels, forming an interface between circulating blood in the lumen and the rest of the vessel wall." 1
As the plaque builds up the artery gets smaller and smaller until it becomes clogged. When the artery gets clogged not as much blood can flow through. Cardiovascular system diseases and diseases in your heart and blood vessels occur from atherosclerosis. If your artery near your heart becomes clogged it can lead to chest pains or heart attacks. “Atherosclerosis -related diseases are a leading cause of death and impairment in the United States, affecting over 60 million people.” 2
1 "Atherosclerosis." January 6, 2008<http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.html?identifier=4440>.
2 "Atherosclerosis." January 5, 2008 <http://heart-disease.health-cares.net/atherosclerosis-causes.php>
"Atherosclerosis." What is Atherosclerosis. January 7, 2008 <http://neprinolenzyme.com/atherosclerosis.htm>.
"Atherosclerosis." American Heart. January 6, 2008<http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.html?identifier=4440>
"Atherosclerosis." Wikipedia. 7 January 2007. January 5, 2008<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atherosclerosis>.
"Atherosclerosis." The Holistic Care. October 2005, <http://www.theholisticcare.com/cure%20diseases/Images/Atherosclerosis%201.jpg>
"Endothelium." Wikipedia. October 16, 2007. January 6, 2008<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endothelium>.
"Types of Atherosclerosis." Wikipedia. January 2008, <http://heart-disease.health-cares.net/atherosclerosis-causes.php>.