Atherosclerosis
Introduction
Atherosclerosis is a potentially serious condition where arteries become cloggedwithfatty substances called plaques, or atheroma.
These plaques cause the arteries to harden and narrow, restricting the blood flow and oxygen supply to vital organs, and increasing the risk of blood clots that could potentially block the flow of blood to the heart or brain.
Atherosclerosis doesn't tend tohave any symptoms at first, and many people may be unaware they have it, but it can eventually causelife-threatening problems such asheart attacks andstrokes if it gets worse.
However, the condition is largely preventable with a healthy lifestyle, and treatment can help reduce the risk of serious problems occurring.
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Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 18 Jan 2017
Introduction
Find out about atherosclerosis, a potentially serious condition where arteries become clogged with fatty substances. Read about the problems this can cause and who's at risk.
Healthrisks of atherosclerosis
If left to get worse, atherosclerosis can potentially lead to a number of serious conditions known ascardiovascular disease (CVD). There won't usually be any symptoms until CVD develops.Types of CVD i
Who'sat risk of atherosclerosis?
Exactlywhy and howarteries become clogged is unclear.It can happen to anyone, althoughthe following things can increase your risk: increasing age smoking an unhealthy, high-fat diet lack ofexercise
Treatmentsfor atherosclerosis
There aren't currently any treatments that can reverse atherosclerosis, but the healthylifestyle changes suggested above mayhelp stop it getting worse.Sometimes additional treatment to reduce the risk
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