2007-02-18 14:50:08 · 3 answers · asked by gypsy_ink 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
Atherosclerosis literally means "hardening of the arteries". It is a build up of cholesterol and other fat substances within the walls of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease and can develop in any artery in the body. It is a common disorder of the arteries.
Atherosclerosis is the major form of heart disease in Western countries. Over one half of all deaths in the US are a direct or indirect result of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is triggered by excess amounts of unstable particles known as oxygen-free radicals, which bind with and alter other molecules, a process called oxidation. The particles are usually released as part of normal bodily processes, but environmental toxins, such as viruses or smoking, can hinder the body from releasing them and produce excess amounts. ***There is much more information about this at the following site. Best of health to you***
Here is the site:
http://www.mamashealth.com/atherosclerosis.asp
2007-02-18 15:08:31 · answer #1 · answered by Tell It Like It Is! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the aorta has plaque built up in in.
2007-02-18 15:09:02 · answer #2 · answered by nickname 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
try this site it may help.
2007-02-18 14:55:57 · answer #3 · answered by athicks2003 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋