--- title: "Atherosclerosis Definition & Meaning | infoMD Health Glossary" description: "Atherosclerosis is a condition where fatty deposits called plaques build up inside the walls of your arteries - the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich bl" lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Atherosclerosis", "description": "Atherosclerosis is a condition where fatty deposits called plaques build up inside the walls of your arteries - the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. 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Atherosclerosis [Cardiovascular](/glossary?system=Cardiovascular)[Heart Health](/topics/heart-health) # Atherosclerosis ath·er·o·scle·ro·sis - ath-er-oh-skle-ROH-sis ## Definition [Atherosclerosis](/conditions/atherosclerosis) is a condition where fatty deposits called plaques build up inside the walls of your arteries - the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Over time, these plaques harden and narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow to vital organs and tissues. Think of it like a pipe in your home gradually accumulating mineral deposits on its inner walls. At first the buildup is minor and causes no problems, but over years or decades the opening gets narrower and narrower, restricting the flow of water. In your body, this restricted blood flow means your heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs may not get the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly. Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of most [heart attacks](/glossary/myocardial-infarction) and strokes. It develops silently over many years - often starting in adolescence - and typically produces no symptoms until an artery is severely narrowed or a plaque ruptures and triggers a blood clot. This is why [cardiovascular](/glossary/cardiovascular) screening and risk factor management are so important even in people who feel perfectly healthy. ## Also Known As Hardening of the arteries Arterial plaque buildup ## Key Facts - • Atherosclerosis is responsible for approximately 50% of all deaths in Western countries. - • The process typically begins in the teenage years but doesn't cause symptoms until middle age or later. - • Major risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and family history. - • It can affect any artery in the body - not just those supplying the heart. - • Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, not smoking) can slow or even partially reverse early atherosclerosis. - • Statin medications are the most commonly prescribed drugs for managing atherosclerosis-related risk. ## How It Relates To Your Health [Atherosclerosis](/conditions/atherosclerosis) is the root cause of coronary artery disease (which leads to [heart attacks](/glossary/myocardial-infarction)), carotid artery disease (which leads to strokes), and peripheral artery disease (which affects blood flow to the legs). If you have been told you have high cholesterol, [high blood pressure](/glossary/hypertension), or are at risk for heart disease, understanding atherosclerosis helps you understand why your doctor recommends specific medications, dietary changes, and monitoring. Early detection through [cholesterol](/glossary/cholesterol) screening and cardiac risk assessments allows for intervention before atherosclerosis becomes severe enough to cause a [cardiovascular](/glossary/cardiovascular) event. Managing modifiable risk factors is the most effective strategy for preventing atherosclerosis-related disease. ## Related Terms [Hypertension](/glossary/hypertension)[Cholesterol](/glossary/cholesterol)[Myocardial Infarction](/glossary/myocardial-infarction)[Inflammation](/glossary/inflammation) ## Related Conditions [ ### Hypertension Cardiovascular Hypertension is a chronic condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains persistently elevated, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. It is often called the 'silent killer' because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Headaches Shortness of breath Nosebleeds Chronic Learn More ](/conditions/hypertension)[ ### Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits called plaques build up inside artery walls, narrowing the vessels and restricting blood flow. Over time, this can lead to heart attacks, strokes, or peripheral artery disease depending on which arteries are affected. Chest pain or angina Leg pain when walking Shortness of breath Chronic Learn More ](/conditions/atherosclerosis) ## Related Articles [![The Mediterranean Diet: A Complete Beginner's Guide](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1498837167922-ddd27525d352?w=1200&h=630&fit=crop&fm=webp)](/nutrition/mediterranean-diet-beginners-guide) [](/nutrition/mediterranean-diet-beginners-guide)[Nutrition & Diet](/nutrition) ### The Mediterranean Diet: A Complete Beginner's Guide 2026-01-20 ## Sources 1. [Atherosclerosis - Overview](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/atherosclerosis) - National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH) 2. [Atherosclerosis: Pathogenesis and Risk Factors](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507799/) - StatPearls / PubMed 3. [Arteriosclerosis / atherosclerosis](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arteriosclerosis-atherosclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350569) - Mayo Clinic Was this definition helpful? 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