Atherosclerosis is the buildup of cholesterol and other fats on the walls of arteries and assumes responsibility for nearly all heart attacks and strokes. This condition, known as America's number one killer, begins at a young age and progresses throughout life as arteries become stiffer with age and thicken with the formation of plaques.
Initial Stages of Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis begins early in life with small, harmless streaks of fat forming in the aorta, but in middle and old age, it becomes a significant factor in the occurrence of heart attack or stroke.
Progression of Atherosclerosis
Cholesterol and other fats are continually floating through the bloodstream. They usually pass through harmlessly unless blood vessels are damaged, causing them to become sticky.
Damage to Blood Vessels
Inflammation or irritation of the arteries caused by smoking, high blood pressure or high levels of cholesterol cause fats and other blood components to form plaques that stick to the artery walls.
Blockage
Plaque formation behind artery walls will cause the narrowing of blood vessels and slow or disrupt blood flow, necessitating bypass surgery or angioplasty. When pieces of plaque break off, they flow into the smaller arteries and can get stuck, causing a blockage that results in a heart attack or stroke (see Resources).
Preventive Measures
Regular exercise, smoking cessation and eating a healthy diet can mitigate the harmful effects of atherosclerosis at any age. Federal guidelines recommend the majority of fats consumed should be unsaturated, totaling 25 to 35 percent of daily calories.
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