Atherosclerosis

• Causes  

  1. Too much fat/cholesterol in the diet/blood.
  2. High LDL levels/low HDL levels or High LDL:HDL or Low HDL:LDL.  
  3. Lack of exercise/inactive lifestyle.  
  4. Diabetes/chronic elevation of blood glucose levels.
• Development  

  1. There is an accumulation of fatty material (consisting mainly of cholesterol), fibrous material and calcium forming an atheroma.
  2. The atheroma/plaque forms beneath the endothelium of an artery.
  3. Artery (wall) thickens/lumen narrows.
  4. Blood flow is reduced/ restricted/prevented.
  5. Loss of elasticity in artery wall
• Health Problems  

  1. Raises blood pressure
  2. Causes cardiovascular disease attack/stroke/Peripheral vascular disease