What is atheroma (atherosclerosis)?
Patches of atheroma are like small fatty lumps that develop within the inside lining of arteries (blood vessels). Atheroma is also known as 'atherosclerosis' and 'hardening of the arteries'. Patches of atheroma are often called 'plaques' of atheroma.
Over months or years, patches of atheroma can become larger and thicker. So, in time, a patch of atheroma can make an artery narrower, which can restrict and reduce the blood flow through the artery.
Sometimes a patch of atheroma may develop a tiny crack or 'rupture' on the inside surface of the blood vessel. This may trigger a blood clot (thrombosis) to form over the atheroma which may completely block the blood flow.
What are the diseases caused by atheroma?
Atheroma is the root cause of a number of cardiovascular diseases. That is, diseases of the heart or blood vessels. For example:
Heart diseases
Angina (heart pains) is caused by a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart (the coronary arteries.) If a blood clot forms over a patch of atheroma in a coronary artery it can cause a heart attack (myocardial infarction.)
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daphne bellerby, 19 days [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
it is good information but does not say were these lumps appear.ive had a lump on my arm fore years .could this be one.