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.
David A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery
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