atherosclerosis

American  

[ath-uh-roh-skluh-roh-sis, ath-] / ˌæθ ə roʊ skləˈroʊ sɪs, ˌæð- /

noun

Pathology.

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

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atherosclerosis British  

/ 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

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atherosclerosis Scientific  

/ 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.

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atherosclerosis Cultural  

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.)

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• atherosclerotically
  adverb
• atherosclerotic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of atherosclerosis

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

Compare meaning

How does atherosclerosis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• atherosclerosis vs. arteriosclerosis

Example Sentences

Atherosclerosis is the build-up of plaque in and on the artery walls that can stiffen arteries and cause them to narrow, limiting blood flow to organs and tissues, according to the Mayo Clinic.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2024

The data were taken from computed tomography of subjects in the National Institutes of Health Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, or MESA.

From Science Daily • Feb. 21, 2024

Climbing five flights of stairs can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 20% according to a recent study published in Atherosclerosis Journal.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 17, 2023

Atherosclerosis is the blockage of an artery by the buildup of fatty plaques.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Stroke risk and prevention: Atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque and fat in the blood-vessel walls, causes arteries to narrow and clots to form.

From US News • Jul. 8, 2015