A significant risk factor for heart disease is indicated by an accumulation of what in the arterial walls?

A significant risk factor for heart disease is indicated by an accumulation of what in the arterial walls?

• A. Carbon deposits
• B. Calcium deposits
• C. Plaque
• D. Surface minerals

Answer: (C)

The accumulation of plaque in the arterial walls is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Plaque is composed of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin. When plaque builds up, it can narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart and potentially leading to serious cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. This process is known as atherosclerosis, where the chronic inflammation and accumulation of plaque result in hardened and narrowed arteries. Over time, plaque can rupture, leading to blood clots that may completely block blood flow. Hence, recognizing plaque accumulation as a critical factor in heart disease highlights the importance of lifestyle choices and medical interventions in managing heart health effectively. In contrast, carbon deposits, calcium deposits, and surface minerals are not the primary contributors to heart disease in the way plaque is. While calcium might play a role in the overall health of arteries and bones, it does not accumulate in the same harmful context as plaque in relation to heart disease.

The accumulation of plaque in the arterial walls is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Plaque is composed of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin. When plaque builds up, it can narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart and potentially leading to serious cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.

This process is known as atherosclerosis, where the chronic inflammation and accumulation of plaque result in hardened and narrowed arteries. Over time, plaque can rupture, leading to blood clots that may completely block blood flow. Hence, recognizing plaque accumulation as a critical factor in heart disease highlights the importance of lifestyle choices and medical interventions in managing heart health effectively.

In contrast, carbon deposits, calcium deposits, and surface minerals are not the primary contributors to heart disease in the way plaque is. While calcium might play a role in the overall health of arteries and bones, it does not accumulate in the same harmful context as plaque in relation to heart disease.