atheroma

a degenerative condition of the arteries (see ARTERY ). The inner and middle coats of the arterial walls become scarred, and fatty deposits ( CHOLESTEROL ) are built up at these sites. Blood CIRCULATION is impaired, and it may lead to such problems as ANGINA pectoris, stroke and MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION . The condition is associated with the western lifestyle, i.e. lack of exercise, smoking obesity and too high an intake of animal fats.