Atherosclerosis

Overview

In atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), plaque builds up, narrows your arteries and reduces blood flow. People who have a family history of coronary artery disease may develop atherosclerosis before age 55, which may cause medical problems while you're relatively young.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Experience. Mayo Clinic doctors treat every type of heart condition.
• Expertise. Mayo Clinic brings together comprehensive risk factor testing, cardiology consultation and leading-edge treatment to assess people who may have atherosclerosis.
• Team approach. Integrated teams of doctors include cardiologists (doctors trained in heart disease), cardiac surgeons, vascular and endovascular surgeons and other specialists.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for heart and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals for heart and heart surgery.

Read more about atherosclerosis at MayoClinic.com.

Related book: Mayo Clinic Healthy Heart for Life! book provides an easy-to-follow plan to prevent and conquer heart disease.