Atherosclerosis is a process by which fat and calcium build up in the inner lining of the arteries, forming a plaque. Over time, this buildup narrows the artery and interferes with or blocks blood flow through the artery.

Coronary artery disease is atherosclerosis in the heart (coronary) arteries; peripheral arterial disease of the legs is atherosclerosis in the leg arteries. If atherosclerosis affects the brain arteries (carotid or cerebral arteries), a stroke can occur.