Atherosclerotic

Atherosclerotic (pronunciation: ath·ero·scle·rot·ic, /ˌaθərōskləˈrädik/) is an adjective that describes the condition of being affected by Atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries.

Etymology

The term "Atherosclerotic" is derived from the Greek words "athero" (gruel) and "sclerosis" (hardness), referring to the hardening of the arteries due to the buildup of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin.

Related Terms

Arteries: The blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from your heart to your body.
Plaque: A deposit of fatty material on the inner lining of an arterial wall, characteristic of atherosclerosis.
Cholesterol: A type of fat found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease.
Calcium: A mineral found in many foods. The body needs calcium to maintain strong bones and to carry out many important functions.
Fibrin: A protein involved in the clotting of blood.
Heart Disease: A range of conditions that affect your heart. Diseases under the heart disease umbrella include blood vessel diseases, such as coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) and heart defects you're born with (congenital heart defects), among others.