What characterizes atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is primarily characterized by the buildup of plaques in the arterial walls. This condition involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances, leading to the thickening and hardening of arteries. As these plaques form, they can narrow the arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks and strokes. The buildup process occurs over time, often starting early in life and progressing as risk factors, such as high cholesterol and smoking, exacerbate the condition.

Understanding atherosclerosis is crucial because it underlies many cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyle choices to mitigate the risk of plaque formation. Other choices, while they may relate to cardiovascular health, do not encapsulate the defining feature of atherosclerosis itself. For instance, loss of elasticity in blood vessels is a consequence rather than a characteristic of the disease, and high blood pressure may result from atherosclerosis but is not a defining factor. Similarly, while blood clots can occur in the context of atherosclerosis, they are not the primary defining characteristic of the condition itself.