Ace the 2026 ATI Pathophysiology Test – Dive Into Disease with Confidence!

Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease marked by the accumulation of plaque within the arterial walls. This plaque consists of fat, cholesterol, cellular waste, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. As the plaque builds up, it narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. The process of atherosclerosis is gradual and can start in childhood, with risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes contributing to its progression.

Understanding this condition is crucial because the early identification and management of risk factors can help prevent its development and associated complications. This systemic disease differs from other options listed, such as hypertension, which is characterized by elevated blood pressure without direct plaque formation, or diabetes mellitus, which is a metabolic disorder where the body cannot effectively use insulin. Myocardial infarction refers to a heart attack that results from the disruption of blood supply due to plaque ruptures or severe narrowing of the coronary arteries but is not itself a disease characterized by plaque buildup.