What is defined as the gradual blockage of an artery due to cholesterol deposits?

The gradual blockage of an artery due to cholesterol deposits is best defined as atherosclerosis. This condition involves the buildup of fatty substances, primarily cholesterol, along the inner walls of the arteries. Over time, these deposits can lead to the narrowing and hardening of the arteries, which can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.

Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis, which refers broadly to the thickening and hardening of arterial walls. However, while arteriosclerosis encompasses various forms of artery changes, atherosclerosis specifically denotes the buildup of cholesterol and other substances, leading to plaque formation.

Aneurysm refers to an abnormal bulge in the wall of an artery that can result from various factors, including atherosclerosis but does not directly address the gradual blockage of arteries. Thrombosis involves the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel and is distinct from the progressive build-up of cholesterol deposits seen in atherosclerosis.