atherosclerosis

[ ath-uh-roh-skluh-roh-sis, ath- ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a common form of arteriosclerosis in which fatty substances form a deposit of plaque on the inner lining of arterial walls.

atherosclerosis

/ ˌæθərəʊsklɪəˈrəʊsɪs; ˌæθərəʊsklɪəˈrɒtɪk /

noun

1. a degenerative disease of the arteries characterized by patchy thickening of the inner lining of the arterial walls, caused by deposits of fatty material; a form of arteriosclerosis See atheroma

atherosclerosis

/ ăth′ə-rō-sklə-rō′sĭs /

1. A form of arteriosclerosis characterized by the deposition of plaques containing cholesterol and lipids on the innermost layer of the walls of large- and medium-sized arteries. Individuals with atherosclerosis have a higher risk of coronary artery disease and stroke. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and elevated levels of fat in the blood contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

atherosclerosis

1. A form of arteriosclerosis in which the arteries become clogged by the buildup of fatty substances, which eventually reduces the flow of blood to the tissues. These fatty substances, called plaque , are made up largely of cholesterol . ( Compare arteriosclerosis ; see circulatory system .)

Derived Forms

• atherosclerotic, adjective

Other Words From

• ath·er·o·scle·rot·ic [ath-, uh, -roh-skl, uh, -, rot, -ik, a, th, -], adjective
• ather·o·scle·roti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of atherosclerosis¹

1905–10; < German Atherosklerose; athero-, sclerosis

Word History and Origins

Origin of atherosclerosis¹

C20: from New Latin, from Greek athēra gruel (see atheroma ) + sclerosis

Example Sentences

As humans age, a build-up of fats, cholesterol and other substances can make arteries thicken or harden, causing atherosclerosis.

From BBC

It is also used in medical care to track heart conditions like myocardial infarctions, atrial fibrillation, and atherosclerosis.

From Science Daily

Previous research has found that impairment of blood vessels' ability to relax may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis, which may, in turn, increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

From Science Daily

Yet until now, few studies had examined the cancer-like properties of the cells and if these changes contributed to atherosclerosis.

From Science Daily

High levels of triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood, are associated with several serious health conditions, including liver and pancreas problems and cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart failure.

From Salon