HealthJuly 18, 2026

atherosclerosis

ATH-uh-ro-skluh-RO-sis

Definition

A chronic disease characterized by the thickening and hardening of artery walls due to the buildup of fatty deposits, such as cholesterol and plaque.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'athere' meaning 'gruel' or 'porridge' (referring to the soft, fatty consistency of the deposits) and 'skleros' meaning 'hard'. It entered English medical terminology in the early 20th century.

In the news

The article references the 'Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities' (ARIC) study, which examines how this condition impacts public health in specific populations. Understanding this term is essential for identifying the cardiovascular focus of the research projects mentioned.

JHU + WVU Rural Health Convos: From Pregnancy to Practice—Infrastructure for Rural Health Research

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Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

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