Also known as arteriosclerosis, atheroma or hardening of the arteries.

Atherosclerosis is the gradual build-up of deposits, initially cholesterol, but in the later stages includes substances, under the inner lining of the artery walls. It is a slow progressive disease which may start in childhood. The aetherosclerotic plaques progressively narrow the artery and decrease the blood flow. The process may be compared to the gradual build-up of lime deposits in a pipe which ultimately block the pipe completely. The disease may involve arteries in many different parts of the body, including the heart (which may lead to peripheral vascular disease or claudication ). Atherosclerosis is accelerated by high blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and cigarette smoking.