The Disease Process

The disease process begins with an understanding of the artery itself. The diagram below shows the different layers of an artery. The disease occurs at the enothelial layer which is the innermost layer or "inner lining" of the artery that is in contact with the blood as it flows through.

Cross-section of an Artery

Beginning of the Disease Process

The disease process begins with damage to the endothelial layer. This damage is typically caused by one of you coronary risk factors the create an unhealthy environment for the artery.

• Cigarette smoking lowers the oxygen content of the blood causing damage.
• Diabetes raises the sugar content, causing and unhealthy environment.
• Elevated blood pressure put pressure on the artery wall.
• Elevated cholesterol levels create a harmful environment.
• Other conditions associated with stress and free radicals harm the artery walls.
  

Next: The Disease Progression