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Topic Overview

What is atherosclerosis?



What problems does atherosclerosis cause?


Heart attack. Plaque, caused by atherosclerosis, is surrounded by a fibrous cap. This fibrous cap may tear or rupture. A tear or rupture tells the body to repair the injured artery lining, much as it might heal a cut on the skin by forming a blood clot to seal the area. A blood clot that forms in an artery can completely block blood flow to the heart muscle and cause a heart attack. See a picture of how atherosclerosis can cause a heart attack.




How is atherosclerosis treated?


How can you slow down atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a process, and there are ways you can slow it down and help lower your risk for heart attack and stroke. A heart-healthy lifestyle can lower your risk. This includes eating heart-healthy foods, being active, staying at a healthy weight, and not smoking. All of these things have many benefits for your body, your heart, and your blood vessels. If your risk is high, you might also take medicines that lower your risk. These include medicines to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

How does atherosclerosis happen?





Stable and unstable plaque. Plaques are defined based on the risk that they will tear or rupture. Stable plaque is less likely to rupture. These plaques have a thick fibrous cap and are made up of substances that are stable and not likely to rupture. Unstable plaque is more likely to rupture. These plaques have a thin fibrous cap and are made up of substances like fats that can expand. Inflammation within the plaque can make the fibrous cap unstable and more likely to tear apart.

Blocked artery. A blockage in the artery can happen if the plaque tears or ruptures. This rupture exposes the cholesterol and tissue that was under the fibrous cap. Blood clots form in response to this rupture. The blood clot blocks the blood flow in the artery. This can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Why does atherosclerosis happen?




  • A response to an infection within the artery wall.

How smoking leads to atherosclerosis


  • Promoting the formation of fibrous plaque.

How does atherosclerosis cause an aortic aneurysm?

Atherosclerosis is one of the major causes of abdominal aortic aneurysm.




ByHealthwise Staff
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine

Current as ofJanuary 27, 2016