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Cardiovascular Diseases

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Atherosclerosis and its effects on the structure and function of blood vessels

Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is a condition commonly linked with poor diet. Atherosclerosis takes effect when fatty deposits and cholesterol begin to build up in the arterial walls and as a result begin to narrow the passage of blood flow through the artery. When plaque begins to build up in substantial amounts it can result in the complete blockage of the artery/arteries which can be detrimental to health and will be shown by symptoms throughout the body.

Atherosclerosis is characterized by the deposition of athermanous plaques which damage, calcify and harden the walls of large to medium sized arteries. As a result blood pressure is increased due to the narrowing/partial blocking of the arteries which can cause cells in blood known as platelets (whose primary function is to clot and prevent bleeding in the event of blood vessel breaks) to stack upon one another which will form a blood clot in the artery, resulting in prevention of blood flow to the vital organs which may result in a heart attack, stroke or death.

Common diseases related to Atherosclerosis include, Cardiovascular Disease (When plaque builds up in the coronary arteries effecting the direct blood flow to the heart) Carotid Artery Disease (when plaque builds up in the carotid arteries which supply blood and oxygen to the brain) Peripheral Artery Disease (When plaque builds up in the major arteries of the legs, arms and pelvis). When damage occurs in the arteries your body initializes a healing process. This process causes plaque to build up where arteries are damaged. Over a period of time the plaque in the artery walls may crack which would cause blood to clot in the arteries. (This can worsen Angina (chest pain) sufferers and may result in a heart attack).

The direct effect of Atherosclerosis

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