Heart Disease Health Center
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Heart Disease: Frequently Asked Questions about Heart Disease
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 provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic![]()
Reviewed by
David W. Stein, MD on December 01, 2006
Edited by
Louise Chang, MD on April 01, 2006
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