Changes of artery structure associated with circulatory disease

Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease. This happens when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become hardened and narrowed. This is because of cholesterol build up called plaque which builds up on the inner walls of the arteries. The plaque build up is a clot, this travels around the body and is formed in another location in the body which is called an embolism. An arterial embolism could be caused by more than one clot, they can get stuck in the artery and block blood flow. As more and more plaque builds up the less blood can flow through the arteries (as shown in the picture) so the heart cant get enough blood or oxygen it needs to supply the body. This can lead to angina or a heart attack. Coronary artery disease can also weaken the heart which could lead to heart failure or changes in the normal beating rhythm of the heart, this is called atherosclerosis.