Understanding Arterial Plaque: Causes & Atherosclerosis

Plaque is a buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits in the arteries that restricts blood flow to the heart. Buildup of plaque in the arteries is also called hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis. It leads to coronary disease.

Identification

• The arteries are blood vessels that carry blood and oxygen to the heart and other parts of the body. Healthy arteries are flexible and elastic. As plaque builds up, arteries become narrowed, allowing less blood to flow through. Arteries can be affected anywhere in your body.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Atherosclerosis is a slow, progressive disease that often begins as early as childhood. Damage to the inner layer of an artery can be caused by high cholesterol, high blood pressure, nicotine or conditions such as diabetes. Aging and obesity are also risk factors for development of plaque buildup and hardening of the arteries.

Plaque

• Plaque can have a variety of sizes and shapes. Eventually plaque can rupture or burst, causing blood clotting inside the artery. This can stop blood flow completely and lead to heart attack and stroke.

Progression

• By the time you are in your teens, blood vessel walls begin to show streaks of fat. Plaque builds slowly over the course of many years. A high-fat diet, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle are factors that can lead to increased formation of plaque.

Prevention/Solution

• Lifestyle changes can prevent or slow the progression of atherosclerosis. If you smoke, it is important to quit. Choose a heart-healthy diet, increase your activity level and practice techniques for managing stress. This is a treatable and preventable condition.