Plaque (Artery)
Current as of: April 9, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Karin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology
Plaque is a buildup of cholesterol, white blood cells, calcium, and other substances in the walls of arteries. Over time, plaque narrows the artery, and the artery hardens (atherosclerosis). Plaque sometimes reduces blood flow to the heart muscle, which can cause angina symptoms, such as chest pain or pressure. Plaque…