Atherosclerosis is now recognised as an inflammatory process, which may be triggered by various mechanisms such continued flow of blood at an increased pressure through the blood vessels (as in hypertension), presence of certain risk factors, infectious conditions and underlying disorders.

Some of the factors that have been associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis include:

• Family history

• High cholesterol levels

• Disorders such as diabetes and hypertension

• Bacterial or viral infections 

• Smoking.

These factors result in an inflammatory reaction in the tissues of the affected areas of the blood vessels. This results in accumulation of different types of cells over which fat cells and calcium accumulate and start forming a thickened layer progressively. This layer now known as plaque obstructs the flow of blood locally. At times the plaque gets dislodged, flows along with the blood and obstructs smaller blood vessels causing a disruption in the blood supply to that area.^1,2                 

Next page: Signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last modified: April 03, 2012