Atherosclerosis Research Paper

Atherosclerosis is a form of cardiovascular disease in which the inner layers of artery walls are made thick and irregular by plaque deposits; arteries become narrow and blood supply can be reduced. (pg. 409) Atherosclerosis is deposited by fatty substances (called plaques) in the walls of the arteries. (pg.249) The arteries become narrow due to a person having high blood pressure which makes the heart work harder which forces the blood through the arteries making it narrow and stiffen. They also become narrowed buy deposits of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. The lining arteries gets damaged by the endothelial cells (cells that line the arteries) becomes damaged. This is caused by smoking, high blood pressure, high insulin or glucose levels, and deposits of oxidized LDL particles. Next the body responds to these damages by causing information and changes in the artery lining that
This then affects the coronary arteries which, supply the heart with blood, are particularly susceptible where to plaque buildup a condition called Coronary Heart Disease.(pg.421) The blockage of coronary artery causes heart attacks, and blockage of cerebral artery (leading to the brain) causing a stroke. The blockage of an artery in a limb causes peripheral arterial disease, a condition that causes pain and may require amputation of the affected limb.(pg. 421) Furthermore, the main risk factors atherosclerosis are tobacco use or abuse, physical inactivity, high blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Another thing that is interesting is that atherosclerosis often begins in childhood: autopsy studies young child victims have revealed atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries and adolescents. (pg.421) Finally, I am going to start making a change in my life and start exercising and try to eat my fruits and