Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

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Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (pronounced ath-er-o-skler-OT-ik kahr-dee-o-VAS-kyoo-ler dih-ZEEZ), often abbreviated as ACVD, is a specific form of Cardiovascular Disease that is characterized by the hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the buildup of plaque.

Etymology

The term "Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease" is derived from three Greek words: "athero" meaning gruel or paste, "sclerosis" meaning hardness, and "cardiovascular" referring to the heart and blood vessels. This term accurately describes the condition where a paste-like substance hardens in the heart's blood vessels.

Definition

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease is a condition in which atherosclerosis occurs in the heart's arteries. Atherosclerosis is a process where plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood, builds up inside the arteries. Over time, this plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, which can limit the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the organs and other parts of the body.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease can vary depending on the specific arteries that are affected. Common symptoms can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, and irregular heartbeat. In severe cases, it can lead to heart attack, stroke, or even death.

Related Terms

See Also

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