Atherosclerosis is the hardening and loss of elasticity in an artery or arteries resulting from the accumulation of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL... the “bad” cholesterol) in the vessel wall in the form of plaque deposition. Over time, plaque accumulates and narrows your arteries impeding the flow of oxygenated blood to your organs and limbs. The process of atherosclerosis is progressive and its severity is related to your family history, medical history, whether or not you smoke and your diet and exercise habits. There are medications that slow the progression of atherosclerosis and procedures that remove atherosclerotic plaques from your body but, in general, atherosclerosis is a chronic disease that requires close medical supervision to ensure the best outcomes.