1-23
1-23. ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
a. Arteriosclerosis is the primary cause of CAD. Arteriosclerosis is defined as hardening or thickening of the arteries. Arteriosclerotic disease is characterized by thickening and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls.
b. Atherosclerosis is the most common form of arteriosclerosis. Deposits of yellowish plaques (called atheromas) are formed within the medium and large sized arteries. These atheromas are made up of cholesterol, lipoid material, and lipophages (cells that ingest or absorb fat).
