BWH My Health




		Animation: How Cholesterol Works
		Podcast: Women and Cardiovascular Disease
		Webcast: Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement

Jorge Plutzky, MD

What is atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is the build-up of cholesterol deposits (plaque) in arteries that carry oxygen to the heart, brain and elsewhere. This process, which develops over decades, is the underlying cause for most heart attacks and strokes. Although scientists are uncertain what causes atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes are believed to be risk factors.

More, plus other topics

..First Steps to Heart Health

The good news is that many heart disease risks can be controlled. Use the following quick and easy online assessment tools to find out what your personal risks are and what you can do to minimize them.

	The Coronary Artery Disease Risk Assessment covers the major risks for heart disease and offers advice on controlling them.
	Check out the Adult BMI Calculator to find out whether you have a healthy BMI and then use the Calorie Burn Rate Calculator to find an activity to help you get that BMI back into the healthy zone
	Take the Stress Trigger Assessment and the What Do You Know About Stress Quiz to help you recognize stress symptoms and discover what you can do to lower your stress levels.
	Take the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment to find out whether you’re at risk for developing Type 2 (adult) diabetes, a noted risk factor for developing heart disease.