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

• atherosclerotic adjective
• atherosclerotically adverb

Etymology

Origin of atherosclerosis

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

Compare meaning

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

• atherosclerosis vs. arteriosclerosis

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."

From Science Daily

In their paper published in Environment International, Zhou and colleagues describe their use of LDLR-deficient mice, a common model for examining atherosclerosis.

From Science Daily

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

From Barron's

In addition, EPA improved blood lipid profiles and reduced the tendency of lipoproteins to attach to the walls of arteries -- an important factor in preventing atherosclerosis.

From Science Daily

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

From Science Daily