Atherosclerosis

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Atherosclerosis is a major form of cardiovascular disease which occurs through a processed known as arteriosclerosis in which the arteries become clogged with plaque buildup overtime. Formation of this plaque is due to the damage of endothelial cells (inner cells) that line the walls of arteries. Damage of these cells is triggered by unhealthy practices or other conditions such as smoking, lack of exercise, hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol levels. As a result harmful material such as fat, cholesterol, palettes and other material deposit themselves into the damaged artery wall. These materials accumulate and form plaque which becomes covered with various cells that try to repair the damaged wall. These cells encapsulate the plaque within the artery wall and eventually secrete chemicals which cause plaque to build up further. The narrowing effect of this buildup within the arterial wall obstructs blood circulation and increases the risk for stroke or heart attack as blood clots can be trapped within the narrowed artery.
According to an online article from the University of Ma...

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