Final answer:
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which artery walls thicken and stiffen due to plaque buildup. The process starts with the accumulation of LDLs and inflammation, leading to the growth of plaques. Risk factors include high-fat diet, smoking, hypertension, high LDL cholesterol, diabetes, age, genetics, obesity, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and tobacco use.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which artery walls thicken and stiffen as a result of the buildup of plaques inside the arteries. These plaques consist of white blood cells, cholesterol, and other fats. The process starts with the accumulation of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) inside the endothelial cells in artery walls, causing inflammation. Continued inflammation and other immune responses cause the plaque to grow.
Factors that contribute to plaque buildup include a high-fat diet, smoking, hypertension, high LDL cholesterol, diabetes, and age. Plaques can reduce blood flow, leading to the formation of blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular events.
It is important to note that atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis, and there is also a genetic component to the condition. Risk factors such as obesity, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and tobacco use can also increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis.