Final answer:
Atherosclerosis is the term used for plaque gathering on the walls of the arteries. It can lead to various health problems including reduced blood flow and increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Step-by-step explanation:
When plaque gathers on the walls of the arteries, it is called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the inner lining of the arteries, narrowing and hardening them over time.
This can lead to various health problems, including reduced blood flow to vital organs and tissues, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and cardiovascular diseases.
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that usually occur in the legs, not related to plaque build-up in arteries. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases, not related to plaque in arteries.
Arteriosclerosis is a broader term that refers to the thickening and hardening of the arterial walls, which can include atherosclerosis as a subtype.
Learn more about Atherosclerosis