Atherosclerosis

The Atherosclerosis topic includes research on the causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and outcomes of atherosclerosis, a condition of plaque buildup in the arteries. The topic includes research on cardiovascular conditions caused by atherosclerosis, such as angina pectoris and coronary arteriosclerosis.

Diseases linked to atherosclerosis are a leading cause of death in the United States. Atherosclerosis develops slowly as cholesterol, fat, blood cells, and other substances in the blood form plaque in the walls of arteries, narrowing the arteries and reducing the supply of oxygen-rich blood to tissues and organs. A decrease in blood flow can lead to symptoms such as angina. If a plaque bursts, blood clots may form and block the artery or travel to other parts of the body. Full or partial blockages can cause heart attack, stroke, vascular dementia, erectile dysfunction, heart failure, or limb loss.

Atherosclerosis can affect almost any artery in the body, including in the heart, brain, arms, legs, pelvis, and kidneys. Risk factors for atherosclerosis include high blood cholesterol, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and genetics.