(HealthDay News) -- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) occurs when fatty deposits build up inside the arteries. These deposits cause artery walls to harden, thicken, and may eventually cause blockages that could lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Diets high in fats can lead to atherosclerosis, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. Diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney disease are a few of the other risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is usually treated with medications that lower cholesterol and high blood pressure, as well as dietary changes and an exercise regimen. If these remedies don't work, surgery to unclog the arteries may be needed.
