Final answer:
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the wall of an artery becomes thicker and stiffer due to the buildup of plaque inside the arteries. Factors like age, genetics, and lifestyle choices can increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the wall of an artery becomes thicker and stiffer due to the buildup of plaque inside the arteries. Plaque consists of white blood cells, cholesterol, and other fats. Over time, the plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow.
Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis, which is the more generalized loss of compliance or "hardening of the arteries." Factors such as advanced age, genetic predisposition, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and tobacco use increase the risk of atherosclerosis.