What Causes Atherosclerosis?
The exact cause of atherosclerosis isn't known.
However, studies show that atherosclerosis is a slow, complex disease that may
start in childhood. It develops faster as you age.
Atherosclerosis may start
when certain factors damage the inner layers of the arteries. These factors
include:
When damage occurs, your body starts a healing
process. Fatty tissues release compounds that promote this process. This
healing causes plaque to build up where the arteries are damaged.
Over time, the plaque may crack. Blood cells called
platelets (PLATE-lets) clump together to form blood clots where the cracks are.
This narrows the arteries more and worsens
angina
(chest pain) or causes a
heart
attack.
Researchers continue to look at why atherosclerosis
develops. They hope to find answers to such questions as:
- Why and how do the arteries become damaged?
- How does plaque develop and change over time?
- Why does plaque break open and lead to
clots?
|