atherosclerosis: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 12, 2026

News •

Stronger cholesterol treatment shrinks more plaque in heart arteries, new clinical trial finds • Nov. 5, 2026, 9:37 AM ET (Medical Xpress)

Facts

Also Known As	intimal arteriosclerosis

Photos and Videos

Two cross-sectional illustrations compare a normal human artery with a healthy, open lumen to an artery narrowed by atherosclerotic plaque buildup, showing damaged endothelium, foam cells, fibrous cap, and lipid deposits.

Three-panel medical illustration showing balloon angioplasty and stent insertion in an artery. Panel A shows a catheter with a balloon and stent positioned at a narrowed section with plaque. Panel B shows the balloon inflated, compressing the plaque and expanding the stent. Panel C shows the expanded stent holding the artery open with the plaque compressed against the artery wall.

drug-eluting stent

atheromatous plaque

Why you should know your cholesterol levels

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

atherosclerotic plaque atheromatous lesion aging old age arteriosclerosis

Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic

cardiovascular disease: Acquired heart disease

Key People

default image

Rudolf Schoenheimer

German biochemist

44 Questions from Britannica’s Most Popular Health and Medicine Quizzes

full human skeleton

Diseases, Disorders, and More: A Medical Quiz

Male muscle, man flexing arm, bicep curl.

Facts You Should Know: The Human Body Quiz

A Yorkshire terrier dressed up as a veterinarian or doctor on a white background. (dogs)

A Visit with the Word Doctor: Medical Vocabulary Quiz