Skip to content
WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Videos

Heart Disease Health Center

Select a topic to explore more.
Select An Article
Font Size
A
A
A

Heart Disease and Atherosclerosis

1. What Is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis, often described as a hardening of the arteries, occurs when the normal lining of the arteries deteriorates, the walls of arteries thicken, and deposits of fat and plaque build up, causing narrowing (or even blockage) of the arteries.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

Reviewed by Robert J Bryg, MD on March 07, 2009
Next Article:
webMD Video

Show or hide information about video: Exercise vs. Diet   Exercise vs. Diet

Being overweight is a heart disease risk factor, but there may be something more women of all shapes and sizes should worry about.

Watch Video: Exercise vs. Diet (opens in a new window)

Show or hide information about video: Detecting Women's Heart Disease   Detecting Women's Heart Disease

Show or hide information about video: Understanding Blood Test Results   Understanding Blood Test Results

Show or hide information about video: At Risk for Heart Disease?   At Risk for Heart Disease?

Show or hide information about video: Predicting Heart Disease   Predicting Heart Disease