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Arteriosclerosis/ Heart Disease
The word Arteriosclerosis has been derived from the Greek terms arterio and sclerosis, respectively meaning artery and hardening. Therefore, arteriosclerosis refers to the hardening of the arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that transport oxygenated blood from the heart to all other parts of the body. The term arteriosclerosis is generally used in relation to large and medium arteries but it is also used to describe a similar condition affecting smaller arteries.

Individuals suffering from arteriosclerosis have arteries with abnormally thick walls. As a result, the cavities of the arteries are narrowed and there is insufficient space for the amount of blood that must flow to the organs of the body. Acute formation of plaque in the arteries can cause cellular death and this leads to malfunctioning in the affected organs.


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Causes and Risk Factors

Many factors contribute to the development of arteriosclerosis. Poor eating habits, lack of exercise, high cholesterol levels, smoking, sedentary existence, hypertension and obesity are some lifestyle-related causes of arteriosclerosis.

Arteriosclerosis also results from aging because over time the system undergoes deterioration and collapses under pressure from continuous neglect. Some diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes may also lead to hardening of the arteries.

Some individuals are more likely to experience arteriosclerosis because of genetic factors. Arteriosclerosis is prevalent in some families and all direct descendents suffer from the disease.

Arteriosclerosis largely occurs from a deposition of tough collagen on the inner walls of the arteries. Collagen is softer than the bone tissue but hard enough to interfere with the constant blood supply in the body. The deposition of collagen forms soft plaques within the arteries. The condition, also referred to as furring of arteries, thickens blood vessel walls, reduces their elasticity and narrows the effective space available for blood flow.

Over time the oldest sections of collagen accumulations harden and form bone tissue, which further complicates the disease. Additionally, soft plaques increase in rigidity and hardness.

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