Atherosclerosis, often known as hardening of the arteries, leads
to cardiovascular disease, and is the leading cause of death in
men over age 35 and all people over 45. Most are due to
atherosclerosis. Although the origin of this condition is not
completely understood, we know that it is accelerated by factors
such as (high blood pressure), and milder forms of impaired
glucose tolerance, , physical inactivity, and . Chronic
inflammation in the body (of various types) is also hypothesized
to play a role. Current theories suggest that atherosclerosis
begins with injury to the lining of the arteries. High blood
pressure physically stresses this lining, while circulating
substances such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol,
homocysteine, free radicals, and nicotine chemically damage it.
White blood cells then attach to the damaged wall and take up
residence. Then, for reasons that are not entirely clear, the
artery lining begins to accumulate cholesterol and other fats.
Platelets also latch on, releasing