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Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) of vessels

Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho.

Figure 1 shows the normal smooth appearance of the large blood vessel (aorta) that carries blood from the heart. Figure 3 shows a narrowed and abnormal aorta from the buildup of calcium and fat (cholesterol) in the inner lining of the artery, often called "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis).

Primary Medical Reviewer Caroline S. Rhoads, MD
- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer George Philippides, MD
- Cardiology
Last Updated July 24, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 24, 2006
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