Introduction
Plaque is an obstruction that forms in our arteries due to the deposition of cholesterol, calcium, and cellular waste. The condition caused by plaque formation in the arteries is known as atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis. Our arteries supply blood to the entire body, but sometimes plaque can form in an artery, slowing or stopping the blood flow. The location of the plaque in the artery is crucial. For instance, if plaque forms in the coronary artery of the heart, it increases the chances of a heart attack. Similarly, if plaque forms in the carotid artery, which supplies blood to the brain, it increases the chances of a brain stroke. Plaques in other organs can lead to organ failure. Therefore, it is essential to understand why and how plaque forms to prevent this condition.
The Science of Plaque Formation
The exact cause of plaque formation is still unknown, but it is believed to start with the damaging of the internal lining cells of the artery.
The lining of our arteries can be damaged by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and smoking. In most cases, the damaged area recovers, but sometimes, due to high cholesterol in the blood, cholesterol molecules leak out from the damaged area and enter the intima layer. Additionally, damaged cells provide entry to white blood cells, such as monocytes, present in the blood. Monocytes enter the intima layer and convert into macrophages, which start engulfing the cholesterol molecules (LDL). When macrophages engulf too much cholesterol, they die and cluster together, forming foam cells. As the process of cholesterol and foam cell formation continues, the plaque grows.
Along with this, smooth muscle cells present behind the artery also come to the top of the plaque and form layers, causing the plaque to grow faster. Calcium molecules also play a role in hardening the plaque. When the plaque becomes large enough, it narrows the artery, slowing or stopping the blood flow. The process of plaque formation usually starts from childhood, but it progresses faster if a person has high cholesterol levels in their blood. This is why the condition of atherosclerosis is more common in obese people.
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Preventing Plaque Formation
To prevent plaque formation, we need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes daily exercise, a low-cholesterol diet, and avoiding smoking. I hope you learned something new from This article. I am your host, and I will see you in the next Article with a new topic.
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