Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis caused by a build-
up of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. (Arteriosclerosis
is a general term for thickening or hardening of the arteries.)
Plaque is made up of deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol,
cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin, and can develop in
medium or large arteries. The artery wall becomes thickened and
loses its elasticity. Atherosclerosis is a slow, progressive
disease that may start as early as childhood. However, the
disease has the potential to progress rapidly. It is unknown
exactly how atherosclerosis begins or what causes it. Some
scientists think that certain risk factors may be associated
with atherosclerosis, including: - elevated cholesterol and
triglyceride levels - high blood pressure - diabetes mellitus
(type 1 diabetes) - physical inactivity - high saturated fat
diet There is a gradual build-up of plaque or thickening of the
inside of the walls of the artery, causing a decrease in the
amount of blood flow, and a d