A common disorder of the arteries. Yellowish plaques of cholesterol, fats, and other remains are deposited in the walls of large and medium-sized arteries. The vessel walls become thick and hardened and the vessel narrows.
 
This lessens circulation to organs and other areas normally supplied by the artery. These plaques (atheromas) are major causes of heart disease, chest pain (angina pectoris), heart attacks, and other disorders of the circulation.
 
How atherosclerosis develops is not clear. It may begin with injury to the artery or with an increase of muscle in vessel walls. Excess saturated fats in the diet, faulty carbohydrate processing, or a genetic defect may be other causes.
 
Risk Factors:
Atherosclerosis usually occurs with aging. It is often linked to being overweight, high blood pressure, and diabetes.