Arteriosclerosis, characterized by the hardening of arteries, encompasses a spectrum of diseases that impair arterial function, predominantly culminating in coronary artery diseases. It manifests across arteries of varying sizes and layers within the arterial walls, posing a significant threat to cardiovascular health.
Primarily accountable for the majority of fatalities attributed to heart attacks, arteriosclerosis initiates with cellular damage within the heart's arteries, paving the way for the development of arterial plaque—a composite of fibrous tissue and lipids. This plaque progressively expands, impeding or obstructing the arterial lumen, thereby curtailing blood flow.
In the event of coronary artery obstruction, crucial for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle, complete cessation of blood flow may precipitate a myocardial infarction, causing irreparable harm to cardiac tissue.
Arteriosclerosis, omnipresent among senior citizens, stands as the foremost chronic condition in the United States, emerging as the leading cause of mortality, particularly affecting individuals aged 40 to 70.
The ramifications of arteriosclerosis extend beyond mere hardening of arteries, permeating the fabric of cardiovascular health, warranting comprehensive preventive strategies and therapeutic interventions to mitigate its deleterious impact and curb its devastating toll on public health.
Heart Disease Overview
