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Atherosclerosis is a Greek term which translates as "hardened gruel or porridge". The term describes the material found inside the affected arteries. The process of atherosclerosis occurs through stages that can span over many years. It involves the abnormal laying down of fat, calcium, white blood cells, platelets and other blood clotting components on the inside of arteries. Atherosclerosis formation is usually facilitated by other risk factors. Atherosclerotic depositions, which are called plaques, can lead to progressive narrowing and eventually blockage of the affected artery. The blockage of a main artery in this fashion is usually gradual and insidious.
Occasionally, a part of a plaque sheds off and suddenly blocks the affected artery or floats with the
blood until it becomes lodged at the opening of a small branch. This can
suddenly stop the flow
of blood |
