Which areas are affected by atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is patchy intimal plaques (atheromas) in medium-sized and large arteries; the plaques contain lipids, inflammatory cells, smooth muscle cells, and connective tissue. Risk factors include dyslipidemia, diabetes, cigarette smoking, family history, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and hypertension. Symptoms develop when growth or rupture of the plaque reduces or obstructs blood flow; symptoms vary by artery affected. Diagnosis is clinical and confirmed by angiography, ultrasonography, or other imaging tests. Treatment includes risk factor and dietary modification, physical activity, antiplatelet drugs, and antiatherogenic drugs.(Merck)
Atherosclerosis is a syndrome affecting arterial blood vessels.
Atherosclerosis is a common disorder of the arteries. It occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries and form hard substances called plaque.
Eventually, the plaque deposits can make the artery narrow and less flexible. This makes it harder for blood to flow. If the coronary arteries become narrow, blood flow to the heart can slow down or stop. This can cause chest pain (stable angina), shortness of breath, heart attack, and other symptoms.
Pieces of plaque can break apart and move through the bloodstream (embolization). This is a common cause of heart attack and stroke. Blood clots can also form around the plaque deposits. Clots block blood flow. If the clot moves into the heart, lungs, or brain, it can cause a stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism.
The following diseases are caused by atherosclerosis / arteriosclerosis.
* Abdominal aortic aneurysm
* Coronary artery disease
* Kidney disease
* Mesenteric artery ischemia
* Peripheral artery disease
* Renal artery stenosis
* Renovascular hypertension
* Stroke (cerebrovascular disease)
* Thoracic aortic aneurysm

coronary arteries, carotid arteries, and renal arteries are the most affected.