Heart and blood vessel disease, also known as heart disease, encompasses a wide range of issues, many of which are linked to a process known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition that occurs when a substance called plaque accumulates in the artery walls. This buildup narrows the arteries, making blood flow more difficult. When a blood clot forms, it can obstruct blood flow. This can result in a heart attack or a stroke.
A heart attack occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to a portion of the heart. If the clot completely blocks blood flow, the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die.
Some stroke effects are permanent if too many brain cells die as a result of a lack of blood and oxygen to the brain. These cells never regenerate. The good news is that some brain cells do not die; they simply become temporarily dysfunctional. Injured cells can regenerate. Some body functions improve as the repair process progresses.
