What's atherosclerosis from?

Multifactorial: Usually a combination of having a family history, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, smoking. These are the main players.

White Blood Cells: Atherosclerosis is an accumulation of white blood cells, mostly macrophages (called monocytes, one of 5 white blood cell types), which have invaded into the walls of the blood vessel to remove low density lipoprotein (fat carrying protein) particles. The macrophages may die if overwhelmed with LDL & cannot export the ingested fat into high density lipoprotein particles. Also high glucose, bp, etc.

Multiple Factors: Atherosclerosis, also known as “hardening of the arteries”, occurs when areas of the artery wall thicken in response to either increased modifiable (high LDL particle levels, smoking or high blood pressure )and non-modifiable (genetics, age, gender) risk factors. Over time, areas of focal thickening may grow into a larger lesion called a “plaque" that can limit blood flow through the vessel.

Plaque: buildup of plaque and cholesterol deposits, etc. in the arteries--- "hardening of the arteries". Risk factors--- smoking, family history, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, age