athero-, ather- +

1. The removal of plaque from an artery by means of a tiny rotating cutting blade inserted through a catheter.
2. A procedure for opening up an artery by removing the plaque (atheroma) produced by the build-up of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the inner lining of the artery from atherosclerosis or the hardening of the arteries.

"Atherectomy is usually done in major arteries; such as, the coronary arteries within the heart muscle and the carotid and vertebral arteries leading up to the head and brain that have experienced the occlusive effects of atherosclerosis."

1. The formation of atheroma, important in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis.
2. The process of forming atheromas, plaques in the inner lining (the intima or innermost membrane of an organ) of arteries.
3. Formation of atheromatous deposits, especially on the innermost layer of arterial walls.

Having the capacity to initiate, increase, or accelerate the process of atherogenesis (the formation of lipid deposits in the arteries).

1. A kind of encysted tumor; also called, an atherosclerotic plaque, arterial plaque or, simply, a plaque.
2. A fatty deposit in the intima (inner lining) of an artery which can obstruct blood flow.
3. A deposit or degenerative accumulation of lipid-containing plaques on the innermost layer of the wall of an artery.
4. Etymology: Greek > Latin, a tumor full of gruel-like matter.

Relating to or affected by atheroma.

An encysted tumor, without pain or discoloration of the skin, containing matter like pap, intermixed with hard stony particles; easily cured by incision.

1. A process of progressive thickening and hardening of the walls of medium-sized and large arteries as a result of fat deposits on their inner lining.
2. The accumulation of fatty material, cholesterol, and other substances on the interior walls of the arteries.

This build-up, known as plaque, reduces the elasticity of the vessel wall ("hardening of the arteries"), and impedes blood flow through the vessel.

Atherosclerosis can also trigger the formation of blood clots, which can detach and cause blockage in arteries of the heart, brain, or lungs, leading to heart attack or stroke. Similarly, plaque material can break off and travel through the blood system to obstruct a vessel elsewhere.

It is a progressive disease beginning in childhood, but symptoms, including angina and leg pain, do not begin usually until later in life. Risk factors include high levels of blood cholesterol (especially, low-density lipoproteins, or "bad" cholesterol), diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise.

3. A form of arteriosclerosis characterized by the deposition of atheromatous plaques containing cholesterol and lipids on the innermost layer of the walls of large and medium-sized arteries.

Atherosclerosis is responsible for much coronary artery disease (angina and heart attacks) and many strokes.

Pertaining to atherosclerosis, the process of progressive thickening and hardening of the walls of arteries from fat deposits on their inner lining.

Atherosclerotic heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

The lipid deposits in the intima of arteries, producing a yellow swelling on the endothelial surface; a characteristic of atherosclerosis.