Cardiovascular disease -- also called atherosclerosis -- is a disease of the blood vessels in which plaque builds up in the lining of the artery walls. It can affect arteries anywhere in the body and carries a variety of health implications.
Atherosclerosis develops slowly and silently over a lifetime. It is fueled by inflammation that results from damage to the artery wall. This damage may be caused by many agents, including smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol and triglycerides. With time, hard plaques develop and thicken, narrowing the artery and impeding blood flow. As atherosclerosis progresses, the plaques can rupture, causing blood clots to form at the site of the rupture. These clots contribute to further narrowing of the artery and may even totally block blood flow, resulting in tissue damage to the affected organ.