What term describes plaque buildup in the arteries?

What term describes plaque buildup in the arteries?

• A. Cyst
• B. Bronchitis
• C. Atherosclerosis
• D. Tonsillitis

Answer: (C)

Plaque buildup in the arteries is called atherosclerosis. It’s a chronic inflammatory process where lipids, especially LDL cholesterol, accumulate in the inner lining of arteries. This prompts immune cells to inflame the area, forming a fatty streak that progresses into a fibrous plaque. As the plaque grows, the artery narrows, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of plaque rupture and blood clots, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. Other terms refer to different conditions: a cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can occur in various tissues; bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lungs; tonsillitis is infection or inflammation of the tonsils.

Plaque buildup in the arteries is called atherosclerosis. It’s a chronic inflammatory process where lipids, especially LDL cholesterol, accumulate in the inner lining of arteries. This prompts immune cells to inflame the area, forming a fatty streak that progresses into a fibrous plaque. As the plaque grows, the artery narrows, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of plaque rupture and blood clots, which can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Other terms refer to different conditions: a cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can occur in various tissues; bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lungs; tonsillitis is infection or inflammation of the tonsils.