Atherosclerosis Directory
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances build up in the walls of your arteries. This buildup is called "plaque." Plaque clogs your arteries, causing them to become narrow, which makes it difficult for blood to flow. Atherosclerosis raises your risk of heart attacks and strokes. If the condition involves the arteries in your legs, it is called peripheral artery disease. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how atherosclerosis develops, what it looks like, how to treat it, and much more.
Medical Reference
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Risk Factors for Heart Disease
WebMD explains the risk factors for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.
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How the Heart Works & Pumps Blood Through The Human Body
The human heart is an amazing organ. Learn how it works to pump blood throughout the human body using electrical signals from the brain from the experts at WebMD.
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Are You at Risk for Atherosclerosis?
Could you be at risk for atherosclerosis -- hardening of the arteries?
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Atherosclerosis and High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a major cause of atherosclerosis, the artery-clogging process that leads to heart attacks and strokes. Find out more.
Features
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How Much Do You Know About Atherosclerosis?
Take WebMD's five-minute quiz to see just how much you understand about atherosclerosis and heart disease.
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Hardened Arteries: It's About More Than Heart Disease
Hardened arteries aren't just a heart problem.
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Your Arterial Lifeline
Heart attacks and strokes caused by atherosclerosis are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. But diseases caused by atherosclerosis also lead to chronic pain, kidney failure, blindness, and even impotence.
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Atherosclerosis: Prevention Through the Ages
In most of us, atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries is already under way. But regardless of your age, there are specific steps you can take to slow down atherosclerosis.