Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis characterized by the buildup of plaque-a sticky substance made of fats, cholesterol, calcium, and other materials-inside the walls of arteries. This plaque buildup causes the artery walls to thicken and harden, narrowing the arteries and restricting blood flow to organs and tissues

. This condition develops gradually and may start as early as childhood, often without symptoms until the arteries become significantly narrowed or blocked. When plaque ruptures, it can lead to blood clots, which may cause serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, or peripheral artery disease depending on which arteries are affected

. Risk factors for atherosclerosis include high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet. It is a chronic inflammatory disease influenced by genetic and lifestyle factors

. In summary, atherosclerosis is the progressive narrowing and hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of cardiovascular events. It can affect arteries anywhere in the body but most commonly impacts those supplying the heart, brain, and limbs