Final answer:
Atherosclerosis is a condition caused by a build-up of plaque within the blood vessels, leading to narrow and hardened arteries. It can result in complications like heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition caused by a build-up of plaque within the blood vessels is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the narrowing and hardening of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque, which is a combination of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances.
This plaque build-up can restrict blood flow and lead to various complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.
For example, if a plaque forms in the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart, it can cause a heart attack. Similarly, if a plaque blocks blood flow to the brain, it can result in a stroke.
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