What is atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of fatty plaque on the interior lining of the arteries — the medium- and large-sized blood vessels that carry nutrients and oxygen to tissues throughout the body. The formation of these plaques damage the inside surface of the arteries and leads to more plaque buildup, inflammation, artery hardening and narrowing, and an increased risk of clotting.^[1] Severe plaque buildup leads to a wide range of diseases, including coronary artery disease, carotid artery disease (blockage of the arteries feeding into the brain), and peripheral arterial disease (blockage of arteries in the arms, legs, or pelvis).^[2]

Atherosclerosis should not be confused with arteriosclerosis, which is a broader term referring to general thickening and stiffening of blood vessels of all sizes; atherosclerosis is a specific kind of arteriosclerosis. ^[1]