Definition

1. Noun:
   • A disease of the arteries: Atherosclerosis is a specific form of arteriosclerosis. It is characterized by the buildup of fatty substances, cholesterol, and other materials (called plaques or atheromas) on the inner walls of arteries. This buildup causes the arteries to harden and narrow, restricting blood flow.

Usage

• Atherosclerosis is a chronic, progressive condition that develops over many years.
• It is a major underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.
• The term is used in medical and scientific contexts to describe the pathological process within the arterial walls.

Examples

• Noun:
  • A diet high in saturated fat can accelerate the development of atherosclerosis.
  • The autopsy revealed severe atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries.
  • Doctors aim to manage cholesterol levels to prevent atherosclerosis.

Advanced Usage

• "The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis": Refers to the biological mechanisms and sequence of events by which the disease develops.
  • Research focuses on understanding the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
• "Atherosclerotic plaque": The specific fatty deposit that forms on the artery wall.
  • The rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque can cause a sudden blockage.

Variants and Related Words

• Atherosclerotic (adj): Relating to or affected by atherosclerosis.
  • The patient had atherosclerotic heart disease.
• Arteriosclerosis (n): A broader term for the thickening and hardening of artery walls. Atherosclerosis is one type of arteriosclerosis.
• Atheroma (n): The fatty deposit or plaque itself inside an artery wall.

Synonyms

• Artery hardening (less precise, general term)
• Plaque buildup (descriptive phrase for the key process)

Notes on Meaning

• Atherosclerosis specifically involves deposits (lipids and cholesterol) leading to plaque formation. Not all artery hardening (arteriosclerosis) is caused by these fatty deposits.
• It is distinct from other vascular conditions like (hardening of small arteries) or (calcification of the middle layer of arteries).

Noun

1. a stage of arteriosclerosis involving fatty deposits (atheromas) inside the arterial walls, thus narrowing the arteries