. Although thesesymptoms may occur in an artery of the body, atherosclerosis causes most of itsdamage by restricting blood flow to crucial areas of the body such as the heart,brain, kidneys, and legs (Metabolisms, 1999). When atherosclerosis effects the coronary arteries, heart attacks often occuras well as cases of ischemic heart disease. Both of these cases occur when their isnot enough oxygen rich blood reaching the heart muscle because of the narrowingor blocking of the coronary artery by fatty deposits (Familial, 1999). If the oxygendepletion is extreme a condition known as myocardial infarction may occur. Thisis when a section of the heart muscle dies, causing the crushing chest pains of aheart attack. However, if their is only a slight shortage of oxygen rich blood to theheart, a condition known as angina pectoris will develop. Angina pectoris ismarked by a powerful squeezing sensation under the breastbone which oftentravels into the arm, lasting several minutes.Atherosclerosis is also responsible for strokes in people suffering from FH. If the arteries to the brain are blocked, the decrease in blood flow and oxygencauses personality changes and mental confusion (Metabolism, 1999). Thus, astroke may occur when arteries weakened by atherosclerosis rupture, causing acomplete halt of blood flow to the brain. Partial paralysis, loss of speech, anddeath are all possible consequences of the shortage of blood to the brain.In todays society, many people consume a diet high in fat and cholesterolwithout any knowledge of what they are subjecting their body to. People whosuffer from Familial Hypercholesterolemia should serve as a lesson to those whofeel that eating high levels of cholesterol will not effect their body (Familial,1999). Ultimately, those who do not suffer from Familial Hypercholesterolemiawill suffer the same fate as those who consume a diet rich in cholesterol. The onlydifference coming in the fact that people wi...
