A disease process in which fatty deposits (plaques) build up in the inner walls of arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. This reduces blood flow and can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular complications.
From Greek 'athero' meaning 'gruel' or 'paste' (referring to the soft, fatty core of plaques) and 'sclerosis' meaning 'hardening.' The term describes both the soft fatty deposits and the hardening of arterial walls.
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