What is Atherosclerosis?
As we become older, our arteries lose some of their elasticity and stiffen. This can lead to a progressive condition referred to as arteriosclerosis, the medical term for hardening (sclerosis) of the arteries. These stiffened blood vessels usually become clogged with fatty plaque, the hallmark of atherosclerosis (athero is the Greek term for porridge, which describes the thick, cheesy appearance of the deposits).
Some degree of atherosclerosis is a natural part of aging. It usually progresses slowly over years without producing noticeable symptoms. But serious problems develop when these stiffened blood vessels become severely narrowed with plaque. Complications include circulatory disorders, especially reduced blood flow to the lower legs and other extremities; angina, the chest pains caused by inadequate oxygen to the heart muscle; and heart disease and stroke.
By the time Western men have reached their late forties, most have some degree of atherosclerosis. In women the process is somewhat delayed, presumably due to the protective effects of estrogen during the reproductive years. After menopause, however, women quickly catch up with their male counterparts, and once in their sixties they are just as likely to develop severely clogged arteries as men are.
