What Is an Atheroma?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
3. Causes
We know that atheromas are caused by a build up of materials on the artery walls. We are not sure exactly how this happens, however. It is thought that it may have something to do with damage to the endothelium. This is a lining that helps to protect the interior wall of our arteries.
Injury to this lining can be caused by a number of things such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, ageing, and some inflammatory conditions. When this damage occurs, the body then repairs the damage by producing what are known as foam cells. These cells then allow the build up of these different materials thus allowing atheromas to form.
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