Developmental process of atherosclerosis
Arterial atherosclerosis may develop when deposits of cholesterol
accumulate at a tear in the inner lining of an artery. As the
deposits harden and occlude the arterial lumen, blood flow to
distant tissues decreases, and a clot may form, completely blocking
the artery.
Review Date: 5/2/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine,
Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of
Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD,
MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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