Your good health has an enemy—atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is common. And its effects can be very serious. This condition can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and permanent health problems. What is atherosclerosis? The inside walls of healthy arteries are smooth and clean. This makes it easy to transport the blood your body needs. But arteries can become clogged. Fatty substances like cholesterol can stick to artery walls. These deposits are called plaque. Plaque can eventually slow or block the flow of blood. This blockage is atherosclerosis. It can affect any artery in your body. When atherosclerosis affects the arteries that supply blood to the heart, it’s called coronary artery disease. Two things may occur where a plaque develops. A plaque may break off or a blood clot may form on the plaque’s surface. If either of these situations occur, it may lead to a blockage of an artery and ultimately a heart attack or stroke.
