Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to the buildup of plaque, a substance made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances. It is a major cause of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems.
The pronunciation of atherosclerosis is as follows: ah-thuh-roh-skluh-roh-sis. The word is derived from the Greek words “athero” meaning “gruel” and “sclerosis” meaning “hardening.” This is a fitting name for the condition, as the plaque that builds up in the arteries can make them hard and narrow, like gruel.
