What is atherosclerosis?

Also known as: arteriosclerosis, arteriosclerotic vascular disease, ASVD.

Atherosclerosis is the term used to describe the buildup of plaque, or fatty deposits of cholesterol, fat, calcium and other substances in the arteries of the body. The process starts in childhood which over time narrows the arteries that contribute to a number of heart and circulatory problems usually later in life.

It is unusual for children or adolescents to have the complications associated with significant atherosclerosis (heart attack and stroke).  

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Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM