What disorder involves the build-up of cholesterol and calcium in the blood vessel walls, forming plaque?

Atherosclerosis is characterized by the build-up of cholesterol and calcium in the walls of blood vessels, which forms plaque. This process leads to narrowing and hardening of the arteries, which can significantly impede blood flow and increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.

The formation of atherosclerotic plaques is influenced by various factors, including high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, inflammation, and damage to the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels). Over time, the accumulation of these plaques can lead to serious complications, including total blockage of blood vessels or even rupture of the plaque, which can cause acute cardiovascular emergencies.

In contrast, hypertension refers to high blood pressure and does not directly involve plaque formation. An aneurysm involves the bulging or weakening of a blood vessel wall, which can occur separately from atherosclerosis. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that affects its ability to pump blood but isn't related to plaque development in blood vessels. Understanding atherosclerosis is critical for recognizing the broader impacts on cardiovascular health and implementing preventative and therapeutic measures.