Atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries, can gradually cut off the blood supply to the brain. It can also block circulation to the arms or legs, or even the heart.

Cause

Atherosclerosis occurs when cholesterol and calcium deposits build up in the lining of the arteries, narrowing the passageway. This causes blood flow to slow down, or sometimes even stop completely.

Scope

There are many factors that can contribute to Atherosclerosis. The following are factors that would contribute to the likelihood of suffering from Artherosclerosis.

• Over sixty years of age
• Male
• Obese
• High blood pressure
• High blood cholesterol
• Diabetes mellitus
• Low-activity life style (sedentary)

Treatment

Several things can be done to treat Atherosclerosis. Regulating the diet (to limit the fat and cholesterol), excercising, giving up smoking, and avoiding stress.

There is now a surgery that removes an artery from another part of the body (usually the leg) and inserts it into the brain to increase the brain's blood supply.