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Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, sometimes called hardening of the arteries, occurs when fat (cholesterol) and calcium build up in the inner lining of the arteries, forming a substance called plaque. Over time, the plaque buildup narrows the artery and blocks blood flow through it.

Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD
- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David A. Szalay, MD
- Vascular Surgery
Last Updated March 7, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 07, 2008
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