Atherosclerosis :
Atherosclerosis is one of the diseases in which the narrowing and hardening of the arteries is observed. A type of plaque which is a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries which is made of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood is what causes atherosclerosis. The blockage eventually obstructs blood flow and causes severe conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Atherosclerosis is often caused by harmful lifestyle habits and is commonly the result of an unhealthy diet containing unhealthy fats, lack of exercise, smoking, and obesity. Symptoms may be absent or appear at late stage where the artery becomes severely blocked and lead to heart attack. Some of the symptoms which a patient might observe during the progression of disease include chest pain and shortness of breath, fatigue, or pain in the limbs. Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes, such as a healthy low-salt and low-fat diet, exercise, quitting smoking and alcohol, and learning ways to manage stress. Medication which may be prescribed include antihypertensives, antiplatelets and statins.