Glossary/Coronary Artery Disease

Atherosclerosis.

The gradual buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) inside artery walls. Over decades, plaque narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow. When it occurs in the coronary arteries, it is called coronary artery disease.

Definition

What is atherosclerosis?

The gradual buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) inside artery walls. Over decades, plaque narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow. When it occurs in the coronary arteries, it is called coronary artery disease.

Related Terms

Related glossary terms.

Coronary Artery Disease
A condition caused by the buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis) inside the coronary arteries, which...
Statin
A class of medications that lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver. S...
Calcium Score
A CT scan that measures the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. Expressed as an ...
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