Atherosclerotic is a term used in medicine to describe a condition where the arteries become hardened and narrowed due to the buildup of plaque. This condition can lead to serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of atherosclerotic, its origins, associations, synonyms and antonyms, and provide examples of how it is used in sentences.
Definitions
Atherosclerotic is an adjective that describes the process of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances that can clog the arteries and reduce blood flow to the heart, brain, and other organs.
Origin
The word atherosclerotic comes from two Greek words: athero, meaning “gruel” or “paste,” and sclerosis, meaning “hardening.” The term was first used in the early 20th century to describe the process of plaque buildup in the arteries.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, atherosclerotic means “relating to or affected with atherosclerosis.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “pertaining to or affected by atherosclerosis.”
Associations
Atherosclerotic is often associated with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes. These factors can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for atherosclerotic include arteriosclerotic, sclerotic, and hardening of the arteries.
Antonyms
Antonyms for atherosclerotic might include healthy, normal, or unobstructed.
The same root words
The root words in atherosclerotic are athero and sclerosis. Other words that share these roots include atheroma (a fatty deposit in an artery), atherogenic (causing the formation of plaque in the arteries), and sclerotic (hardened or thickened).
Example Sentences
- The patient’s atherosclerotic arteries were causing reduced blood flow to his heart.
- Smoking is a major risk factor for developing atherosclerotic plaque.
- The doctor recommended a low-cholesterol diet to help prevent atherosclerosis.
- Atherosclerotic changes in the brain can lead to dementia and cognitive decline.
- The autopsy showed evidence of severe atherosclerotic disease in the patient’s coronary arteries.