Glossary

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Atherosclerosis: A process in which fatty substances build up inside the walls of blood vessels. Blood components also stick on the surface inside vessel walls. The vessels narrow and "harden," becoming less flexible (atherosclerosis literally means hardening of the artery). The build-up, or "plaque," may break open and suddenly produce a blood clot; when blood flow to the heart is reduced, chest pain (angina; see separate entry) can result. If blood flow is nearly or completely blocked a heart attack can occur and cause muscle cells in the heart to die, resulting in permanent damage.