Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a medical term that describes the hardening of arterial wall, which is normally distensible and elastic. In other words, the wall of arteries become thicker and harder as atherosclerosis goes on. Atherosclerosis may eventually cause complete blockage of arteries, resulting in lack of blood supply to human organs. If the blockage affects the arteries of heart and brain, it will cause heart attacks and stroke, respectively.

Atherosclerosis begins in childhood and advances with aging. Atherosclerosis starts with the damage of the innermost lining of artery, also known as endothelial dysfunction. Then fat is deposited and accumulated at the damaged site, resulting in thickening of arterial wall. Bad fat, also known as low density lipid (LDL), accelerates thickening process to form a fibrous plaque. Fibrous plaque is a chunk of fat, tiny smooth muscle cells, and tiny fragile blood vessels. At some point in time, this plaque ruptures, causing blood clots that clog up the artery. Heart attacks or stroke will ensue.

There is convincing evidence that family history of coronary heart disease and cigarette smoking accelerate atherosclerosis.

In short, atherosclerosis is more severe if a person:

• has a family history of coronary heart disease
• eats bad fat such as saturated fat, trans-fat
• smokes cigarette