atherosclerosis

[ath-uh-roh-skluh-roh-sis, ath-]

noun

Pathology.

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

atherosclerosis

/ 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

atherosclerosis

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.

atherosclerosis

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.)

Other Word Forms

• atherosclerotic adjective
• atherosclerotically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of atherosclerosis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of atherosclerosis¹

C20: from New Latin, from Greek athēra gruel (see _atheroma ) + _sclerosis

Example Sentences

"It may be time to fundamentally reconsider this model and move toward atherosclerosis imaging to identify the silent plaque -- early atherosclerosis- before it has a chance to rupture."

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The results showed a sharp increase in atherosclerosis, but only in males.

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The tested patients had statin-resistant cholesterol levels and suffered either atherosclerosis or diabetes.

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Still, the findings reveal that EPA can alter blood lipid composition and influence early risk mechanisms for atherosclerosis even in healthy people.

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One explanation, according to Dr. Nordestgaard, is that high cholesterol contributes to atherosclerosis -- the buildup of fatty deposits in blood vessels.

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