What is arterial plaque or atherosclerotic plaque?
Atherosclerotic plaques are mostly made up of cholesterol and calcium. These plaques deposit on the inside wall of the artery. The buildup of plaque can reduce blood flow and eventually a complete blockage can occur, either from the plaque itself or due to rupture of the plaque, with collection of a blood clot on top of the plaque.
Depending on the blood vessels involved, this process can cause a stroke, heart attack or PAD. If PAD occurs during this process, it can result in decreased function or loss of function in other organs of the body, or an arm or leg.
What is LDL?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as the "bad" cholesterol because it plays a role in the development of atherosclerotic plaques. High LDL levels are the main target of cholesterol-lowering therapies and lifestyle changes. If you have a high LDL on your blood test (>100 mg/dl), it will increase your risk for coronary heart disease, vascular disease and stroke. Current guidelines recommend lowering LDL more aggressively in patients with more risk factors or known atherosclerotic plaque.
What is triglyceride?
Triglyceride is a form of fat made in the body. There are various factors that can cause high levels of triglyceride, including obesity, diabetes, decreased physical activity, cigarette smoking and excess consumption of alcohol.
