Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease characterized by the accumulation of plaque within the arteries, which are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to the body's tissues. This plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, plaque buildup narrows and hardens the arteries, limiting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to organs and tissues, which can lead to serious health problems.

Here are the key aspects of atherosclerosis:

1. Development of Plaque: The process of atherosclerosis begins with damage to the inner layer of an artery. Factors like high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes can cause this damage. Once the artery is damaged, fatty deposits (plaque) start to accumulate at the site of injury.
2. Progression of the Disease: Over time, the plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow. The plaque may also become fragile and rupture, leading to blood clot formation on its surface. If a blood clot breaks off, it can travel to the heart or brain, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
3. Symptoms: In the early stages, atherosclerosis usually doesn't cause symptoms. However, as arteries narrow, signs and symptoms can develop depending on which arteries are affected. For instance, blocked coronary arteries can cause chest pain (angina), heart attack, or other heart problems. Blocked arteries leading to the brain can cause a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.
4. Risk Factors: Risk factors for atherosclerosis include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, diabetes, family history of early heart disease, and age.
5. Diagnosis: Atherosclerosis can be diagnosed based on medical history, physical exam, and tests such as blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), stress tests, angiography, and imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI.
6. Treatment and Management: Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes (such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, and quitting smoking), medications to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and sometimes surgical procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery. Managing atherosclerosis is crucial to prevent serious complications like heart attacks and strokes.
7. Prevention: Preventing atherosclerosis involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, managing stress, and keeping medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes under control.

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death and disability globally, making its management and prevention a key focus in healthcare.