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Definition of atherosclerosis

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Atherosclerosis, also known as arteriosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries", is a disease process in which cholesterol and other fat from the circulation collect in the arterial wall together with cells and some scar tissue may also form.

While it is unlikely that the cholesterol-rich lesion will protrude into the inside of the artery to obstruct blood flow, its rupture may lead to clotting, the extent of which vary from minor amounts that do not impair flow significantly, to complete obstruction. Calcification may also occur in such lesions.

It occurs to some extent in most people as they get older, but more rapidly in some for reasons which are largely preventable.

(Reviewed by: Prof David Marais, head of UCT’s and Groote Schuur Hospital’s Lipid Clinic, September 2010.)

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