Atherosclerotic plaque is the buildup of cholesterol and other materials in arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, which can cause heart disease and stroke. It is caused by lifestyle factors such as a fatty Western diet, as well as diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Prevention involves maintaining general health through a balanced diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
Atherosclerotic plaque refers to the buildup of cholesterol and other material in the arteries that leads to atherosclerosis, a form of coronary artery disease. The name comes from the Greek Atherosklerose, meaning “a soft, gruel-like deposit and hardening of a tissue or cell wall.” Atherosclerosis therefore refers to the condition in which fat cell deposits become plaque deposits along the inner linings of medium-sized to large blood vessels.
Atherosclerosis is characterized by the dysfunction of the cells that form the lining of blood vessels and the heart and the accumulation of lipids, cholesterol and calcium within the innermost parts of the vessel wall, causing hardening and narrowing of the arteries. The resulting atherosclerotic plaque buildup can lead to obstruction or abnormalities in blood flow, as well as a reduction of much-needed oxygen to vital organs. Plaque buildup is a factor in the onset of heart disease and stroke. In addition to the heart and surrounding blood vessels, larger vessels such as those in the legs can accumulate atherosclerotic plaque, resulting in decreased blood flow.
In the United States, experts estimate that about 80 million people have existing cardiovascular disease; that’s about 36 percent of the population. An additional 795,000 people will suffer new or recurring strokes annually. Atherosclerosis is more common in men, although postmenopausal women are equally at risk as men of the same age. In general, it becomes clinically evident after the age of 40.
Because atherosclerotic plaque is considered a mostly asymptomatic symptom, it is not known exactly how an individual, or how many people, will develop atherosclerosis. Studies comparing the occurrence of heart disease show that this condition, as well as other coronary ailments, is more prevalent in Western cultures; the Far East and the African continent have a much lower frequency. Therefore, lifestyle factors, namely fatty Western diet, are seen as a major contributor.
Other causes of atherosclerotic plaque buildup, and therefore atherosclerosis, include a number of diseases. Elevated serum cholesterol levels can affect plaque buildup. High blood pressure or high blood pressure is one of the main causes, affecting overall health and coronary heart health in particular. Cigarette smoking, obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus also have an influence. Recent research on urban communities has posed air pollution as a possible cause.
Atherosclerotic plaque is not a disease or medical condition in itself, so prevention lies in maintaining general health. Adhering to the common advice of eating a low-fat, balanced diet, getting regular exercise and adequate sleep, and minimizing stress is the best way to increase your chances of having a healthy and long life.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
