Atherosclerosis is a type of
cardiovascular disease that involves the build-up of plaque on the inner walls of the arteries. This results in a decrease of the flexibly and elasticity of these vital transports. As a result, the arteries "harden", which is known as
arteriosclerosis. While atherosclerosis is a form of arteriosclerosis, the names are often used as two in the same. Various ailments that can arise from atherosclerosis are
angina,
heart attack,
stroke,
aneurysms, or
peripheral arterial disease.