Larger accumulations are called atheromas or plaques. Clots may form around the plaque deposits, further interfering with blood flow. Severely restricted blood flow in the heart muscle leads to symptoms such as chest pain . Risk factors include smoking , diabetes , obesity , high blood cholesterol , a diet high in fats , and having a personal or family history of heart disease . Cerebrovascular disease , peripheral vascular disease , high blood pressure , and kidney disease involving dialysis are also disorders that may also be associated with atherosclerosis.
Arteriosclerosis means hardening of the arteries.
It accompanies atherosclerosis and is not clearly separated from it. It involves deposits along the arteries, which often contain calcium. Atherosclerosis shows no symptoms until a complication occurs. Pulses may be decreased in the affected area. These include medications such as cholestyramine , colestipol , nicotinic acid , gemfibrozil, probucol, lovastatin , and others.