Causes of Atherosclerosis

Cause details for Atherosclerosis: Plaque is a combination of cholesterol, other fatty materials, calcium, and blood components that stick to the artery wall lining. A hard shell or scar covers the plaque. Plaques have various sizes and shapes. Some plaques are unstable and can rupture or burst. When this happens, it causes blood clotting inside the artery. If a blood clot totally blocks the artery, it stops blood flow completely. This is what happens in most heart attacks and strokes. ¹

Underlying condition causes of Atherosclerosis: The list of possible underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Atherosclerosis) mentioned in various sources as possible causes of Atherosclerosis includes:

• High cholesterol
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Atheroma
• Arteriosclerosis

Atherosclerosis as a complication: Other conditions that might have Atherosclerosis as a complication might be potential underlying causes of Atherosclerosis. The list of conditions listing Atherosclerosis as a complication in our database includes:

• High Cholesterol
• Xanthoma

Causes of Atherosclerosis: medical news summaries: The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Atherosclerosis:

• About metabolic syndrome
• Aspirin and Bextra combination may increase heart risk
• New risk factors may be associated with cardiovascular disease risk
• Plant protein may protect against some human diseases

Related information for causes of Atherosclerosis: Further relevant information on causes of Atherosclerosis may be found in the risk factors for Atherosclerosis and underlying causes of Atherosclerosis.

Footnotes:
1. excerpt from ATHEROSCLEROSIS: NWHIC

Last revision: April 9, 2003

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