Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) happens when plaque builds up within the walls of someone’s arteries. The arteries are important because they are what transport oxygen-rich blood to different parts of the body. When plaques made up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances form, the arterial walls get harder and thicker. This makes it more difficult for blood to flow and reach your tissues and organs, causing several complications.
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ASCVD encompasses several different conditions, including:
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Coronary heart disease (CHD) (e.g., myocardial infarction, coronary artery stenosis, angina
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Cerebrovascular disease (e.g., ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and carotid artery stenosis)
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Peripheral artery disease (e.g., claudication)
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Aortic atherosclerotic disease (e.g., descending thoracic aneurysm)
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ASCVD-associated diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. As many as half of individuals between the ages of 45 and 84 have atherosclerosis but don’t know they have it.