Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty deposits in the walls of blood vessels. It can block the flow of blood through the arteries throughout the body, which can lead to angina, heart attack or stroke.
The process of atherosclerosis starts 
with damage to the inner lining of the blood vessel. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking all cause damage to vessel walls.
Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)
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