Final answer:
Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the thickening and hardening of artery walls due to the buildup of plaques, which can lead to reduced blood flow and may result in heart attacks or strokes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atherosclerosis: Understanding Artery Wall Changes:
The thickening and hardening of artery walls, commonly occurring in old age, is called atherosclerosis. This condition involves the buildup of plaques inside the arteries, which are accumulations of white blood cells, cholesterol, fats, and sometimes calcium crystals. These plaques reduce the elasticity of the artery walls and narrow the arterial lumen, leading to a decreased blood flow. Advanced age is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, as well as arteriosclerosis, the latter being the more generalized hardening of the arteries. Factors contributing to the development of atherosclerosis include high-fat diets, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes.
Atherosclerosis begins typically in late childhood and is found in most major arteries without early symptoms. Over time, plaque buildup can lead to severe health consequences such as heart attacks or strokes, due to blockages in blood circulation in the heart or brain.