What's Hot informs and stimulates with monthly in-depth articles on diabetic health topics. We continue our articles on cardiovascular disease with this article on another aspect of the problem that has great significance for diabetics.
Arteriosclerosis is the general term for thickening and hardening of the arteries.
This occurs normally as we age. Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis, and is characterized by deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin in the inner lining of the arteries. This buildup is called plaque. Plaque can partially or totally block the flow of blood through an artery. If either of these occurs and blocks the entire artery, a heart attack or stroke may result.