What process leads to the buildup of plaque inside blood vessels?

Atherosclerosis is the process that leads to the buildup of plaque inside blood vessels. This condition occurs when fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances accumulate on the walls of arteries, forming plaques. Over time, these plaques can harden and narrow the arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory response to endothelial injury and is often influenced by various risk factors, including high levels of LDL cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, and diabetes. Understanding atherosclerosis is crucial for recognizing its implications on cardiovascular health and the importance of managing risk factors to prevent its progression.

The other options refer to different cardiovascular issues: arteriosclerosis is a general term for the thickening and hardening of the arterial walls, coronary artery disease specifically involves the narrowing of coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis, and heart failure is a condition that occurs when the heart cannot pump effectively, which may result from various underlying problems, including atherosclerosis. However, none of these terms directly denote the initial process of plaque buildup like atherosclerosis does.