Arteriosclerosis Arteriosclerosis by Jennifer Fergenbaum Arteriosclerosis is a group of diseases characterized by the thickening of the artery wall and in the narrowing of its lumen. It is most prominently found in the disease, atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis that affects large arteries, and the underlying pathologic condition in most cases of coronary heart disease, aortic aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease and stroke. LDL contains specific functional groups which allow it to be recognized by most cells in the body and remain soluble in blood plasma. Therefore LDL readily passes through the endothelium, contributing to the development of plaques, atheromas.
Plaque formation begins as fatty streaks on the inner arterial wall.
Over time the fat deposits accumulate and grow, narrowing the lumen of the artery. Subsequent damage to the endothelial wall causes blood platelets to adhere and contributes to blood clot formation. Surrounding smooth muscle tissue also proliferates to form larger plaques. Hardening of the arterial wall is due to various depositions within the plaque including lipids, cholesterol crystals, and calcium salts. These depositions make the arteries bone-like rigid tubes.