What is atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis happens as a result of plaque build-up inside the walls of the arteries, the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to other parts of the body. Plaque builds slowly over time as a result of calcium, cholesterol, cellular waste and other deposits, eventually causing "hardening" or narrowing of the arteries. When this happens, it becomes more difficult for blood to flow normally. It also increases the chances that a piece of plaque will break off or a blood clot will form, causing stroke or heart attack.