ARTERIOSCLEROSIS

○   "Hardening of the Arteries"

○   Begins as roughening of inner walls of arteries

   eg.   chemicals (from smoking, car exhausts, etc)
      disease agents (viruses and bacteria)
          stress (increases the blood pressure - tears lining)

○   Fatty deposits can build up - eventually may block or slow down the blood supply

○   Bits may break off and block more narrow blood vessels

   eg.   In arteries of the heart (coronary arteries) - heart attack
          In blood vessels of the brain - stroke

○   Risk factors include :

   - lack of exercise
   - obesity
   - high fat diet
   - age
   - continual stress
   - smoking
   - family history (genetics)

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