ATHEROSCLEROSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Atherosclerosis is a chronic degenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular debris, and calcium deposits within the arterial walls. It is a form of arteriosclerosis, which refers to the hardening and thickening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.
The development of atherosclerosis starts with damage to the inner lining of the arteries, known as the endothelium. This damage can occur due to risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, and inflammation. The damaged endothelium attracts circulating white blood cells, particularly monocytes, which infiltrate the arterial wall and transform into macrophages. The macrophages engulf cholesterol particles, forming foam cells, which contribute to the formation of fatty plaques called atheromas.
Over time, these plaques can grow in size, creating a narrowing of the arterial lumen and reducing blood flow to vital organs. In advanced stages, atherosclerosis can lead to the complete blockage of arteries, causing severe ischemia in the affected tissues. Moreover, the fragile plaques can rupture, triggering the formation of blood clots that can obstruct blood vessels and result in life-threatening events, such as heart attacks or strokes.
Preventing atherosclerosis is crucial to maintain cardiovascular health. Measures like a healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, maintaining a desirable weight, controlling blood pressure, and managing blood sugar and cholesterol levels are all essential in preventing the progression of atherosclerosis.
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A senile type of arteriosclerosis, characterized by hyperplasia of the connective-tissue and elasticomuscular layers with atheromatous degeneration of the latter.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymology of ATHEROSCLEROSIS
The word atherosclerosis has its roots in ancient Greek.
The term can be broken down into two parts: athero and sclerosis.
The prefix athero comes from the Greek word athera, which means gruel or porridge-like. It was originally used to describe the fatty substances that accumulate in the inner lining of arteries, forming plaques.
The word sclerosis is also derived from Greek and means hardening or thickening. It refers to the process by which the artery walls become thickened and lose their elasticity due to the accumulation of the fatty deposits.
Putting the two parts together, atherosclerosis literally means hardening of the arteries due to fatty deposits.
Similar spelling words for ATHEROSCLEROSIS
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