And just as plumbing can develop leaks and cracks, problems with these blood vessels can also develop. In addition, atherosclerotic arteries are relatively fragile, making them more likely to burst and cut off the blood supply to the tissues the artery nourishes. What happens next depends on what organ is nourished by the blocked or burst artery. If the artery leads to the brain, a stroke occurs. Brain tissue vital for controlling part of the body may be threatened, causing the person to lose control of that part temporarily or even for good.
Pulmonary thromboembolism can lead to death.
Blockages to the blood supply of other organs, though less common, can also occur. Such signs, properly interpreted, can give the person with the blockage precious time in which to seek treatment. Angina is usually treated with nitroglycerin or other medications that help keep the coronary arteries open. Over the years, doctors have learned a few lessons about how buildups on the inside of arteries come about. People from families with a high rate of cardiovascular disease tend to be more vulnerable to heart disease themselves.