1. Atherosclerosis

2. What is atherosclerosis?
found in 80-90% of Americans over 30
the deposit of plaque (fat, cholesterol, and other substances)
buildup along the inner walls of the arteries

3. Signs and Symptoms
Coronary Artery Disease: upper body pain, shortness of breath, weakness
Cerebrovascular Disease: vision, dizziness, balance, walking, headache
Peripheral Artery Disease: discomfort in legs, hair loss, thickened nails, cold skin, gangrene

4. The Causes
family history (cannot find specific genes associated with risk)
diet/ high cholesterol
high blood pressure
smoking
exercise
diabetes

5. The Main Effects
heart attacks
stroke
death

6. Organs Involved/Effected
Plaque may partially or totally block the blood's flow in:
arteries in heart
brain
pelvis
kidneys
limbs

7. Body Systems Involved/Effected
Integumentary System
Nervous System
Respiratory System
Muscular System
Urinary System

8. Cure Development
Angioplasty: opens blocked or narrowed coronary arteries (mesh tubes are sometimes used)
Coronary artery bypass grafting: uses arteries or veins from other areas in your body are used to bypass your narrowed coronary arteries
Carotid endarterectomy: is surgery to remove plaque buildup from the carotid arteries in the neck

9. Preventative Measures
don’t smoke
exercise
healthy foods
normal weight
reduce stress

10. The Future of the Disease
T cells attacking bad blood cells
possible vaccines
studying DNA