Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis, literally meaning "hardening of the arteries", is an umbrella term for a set of vascular disorders characterized by abnormal thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity in the walls of arteries. The disease process gradually restricts blood flow to body organs and tissues and can proceed to severe health risks brought on by atherosclerosis, which is the specific form of arteriosclerosis caused by buildup of fatty plaques, cholesterol, and other substances in and on arterial walls. Risk factors include family history, smoking, and obesity. Atherosclerosis is the primary cause of coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke, with multiple genetic and environmental contributions. Genetic-epidemiologic studies have identified many genetic and non-genetic risk factors for CAD. However, such studies indicate that family history is the most significant independent risk factor.