How does atherosclerosis develop?
The process begins like a cancer growing on the wall of the artery and progresses over the lifetime of the individual. Small, tumor-like structures called plaque begin growing in childhood and eventually grow together, forming thick scars and accumulating calcium. Atherosclerotic plaque growth gradually narrows the opening of the artery, diminishing blood flow when the vessel is narrowed by more than 50%. Once symptoms such as chest pain develop, there is a 90% chance that complications will occur. Asymptomatic plaques (the tiny tumor-like structures in the wall of the artery) are the most dangerous as they are prone to rupture. A clot results which cuts off the blood flow to the heart and brain causing a stroke, heart attack, or sudden cardiac death.
