... 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