Final answer:
The fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries in coronary heart disease are called plaques, and their buildup leads to the condition known as atherosclerosis. The correct answer is option: a. plaques
Step-by-step explanation:
In coronary heart disease, the fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries are called plaques. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which artery walls thicken due to the buildup of these plaques, which are composed of white blood cells, cholesterol, and other fats. Over time, plaques may harden with calcium crystals, reducing the artery walls' elasticity and leading to restricted blood flow, a state known as ischemia.
Key contributing factors to plaque buildup include a high-fat diet, smoking, hypertension, high levels of LDL cholesterol, diabetes, and genetic predisposition. The formation of plaques can begin when LDLs accumulate in the artery walls, invoking an inflammatory response.
The inflammation attracts white blood cells and contributes to the growth of the plaque, compromising the coronary arteries and potentially leading to coronary artery disease, chest pain (angina pectoris), or even a heart attack (myocardial infarction) if left untreated.