Atherosis is a medical term that refers to the abnormal thickening or hardening of the arterial walls. It is commonly associated with atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease, where fatty deposits, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances accumulate in the inner lining of the arteries, forming plaques. Atherosis specifically describes the pathological process of plaque formation occurring within the arteries.
The development of atherosis begins with an injury or damage to the arterial walls, leading to inflammation and the infiltration of immune cells like macrophages. These cells ingest and oxidize cholesterol, resulting in the formation of foam cells that become a part of the plaque. Over time, the plaque grows and narrows the lumen of the artery, restricting blood flow. This can lead to various complications, including reduced supply of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs, and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular diseases.
Atherosis is primarily driven by risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol levels, obesity, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle. Treatment and prevention strategies for atherosis involve lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, smoking cessation, and managing underlying conditions. Medications like statins, antiplatelet drugs, and blood pressure-lowering agents may be prescribed to control risk factors and prevent further progression of atherosis. In some cases, invasive procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery are necessary to restore blood flow to affected areas.
