Atherosclerosis
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Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a process by which fat and calcium build up in the inner lining of the arteries, forming a plaque. Over time, this buildup narrows the artery and interferes with or blocks blood flow through the artery.
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.
Credits
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | David A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery |
| Last Updated | October 30, 2007 |
| Last updated: | October 30, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Reviewed By: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, David A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery |
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