... enter a ruptured atheroma, making it larger, so that it narrows the artery even more. A ruptured atheroma also may spill its fatty contents and trigger the formation of a blood clot (thrombus). The clot may further narrow or even occlude the artery, or it may detach and float downstream where it causes an occlusion (embolism). Usually, atherosclerosis doesn't produce symptoms until it severely ... pumping ability (a larger heart beats more forcefully). The enlargement also may reflect the heart muscle damage itself. Enlargement after a heart attack suggests a worse prognosis than a norm...

• Word Count: 2410
• Approx Pages: 10

... blood. This plaque may partially or totally block the blood's flow through an artery. Two things can happen where plaque occurs are: bleeding into the plaque or formation of a blood clot on the plaque's surface. If either of these occur and blocks the entire artery, a heart attack or stroke may result. Atherosclerosis affects large and medium-sized arteries. The type of ... the oxygen supply. If the oxygen supply to the brain is cut off, a stroke can occur. And if the oxygen supply to the extremities occurs, gangrene can result. Often a blood clot forms and blocks the artery, stopping t...

• Word Count: 2114
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography

... of the artery (lumen) and compromise blood supply to surrounding tissue Advanced lesion: soft cholesterol core increases in size and has a hard shell that may crack and lead to blood clot formation and additional blockage within the vessel Lesion growth triggers symptoms of coronary disease that require medical attention Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease Treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) is ... ...

• Word Count: 1917
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

... cut off completely, and a heart attack, or myocardial infarction, can occur, resulting in damage to the heart muscle. Arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, and the presence of a thrombus, or clot, in a blood vessel are the most common causes of obstruction. Arteriosclerosis is responsible for most of the deaths resulting from heart attacks. Spasms of the coronary arteries can also result ... ...

• Word Count: 2485
• Approx Pages: 10
• Has Bibliography

... attacks plaque formation, which allows for an active blockage to build up in an artery. In most all victims of heart attacks the common cause is the presence of a blood clot inside a blood vessel. Drugs and things associated with drugs can cause heart disease. Smokers with heart disease are up to 70 percent more likely to pass on of heart disease ... ...

• Word Count: 1965
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

... attacks plaque formation, which allows for an active blockage to build up in an artery. In most all victims of heart attacks the common cause is the presence of a blood clot inside a blood vessel. Drugs and things associated with drugs can cause heart disease. Smokers with heart disease are up to 70 percent more likely to pass on of heart disease ... ...

• Word Count: 1965
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School