FATTY STREAK Meaning and
Definition
-
Fatty streak, in medical terminology, refers to the earliest stage of atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of fatty plaques within the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a chronic condition characterized by the progressive narrowing and hardening of the arteries, primarily caused by the buildup of cholesterol, fats, cellular waste, and calcium on the arterial walls.
The fatty streak represents the initial visible sign of this process, occurring during childhood or adolescence. It is characterized by the accumulation of foam cells, which are macrophages filled with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, a type of harmful cholesterol. The foam cells migrate and adhere to the inner lining of the arteries, causing the formation of yellowish streak-like lesions. These fatty streaks are typically found in the medium and large arteries, such as the aorta and coronary arteries.
While fatty streaks themselves do not cause significant obstruction or damage to the arteries, they are considered the first step in the development of atherosclerosis. Over time, the fatty streaks can progress to more advanced stages, leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques that can obstruct blood flow, increase the risk of blood clots, and contribute to various cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.
Therefore, identifying and managing fatty streaks early on is crucial for preventing the progression of atherosclerosis and reducing the associated health risks. This involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking, as well as medication and medical interventions as necessary.
Common Misspellings for FATTY STREAK
- datty streak
- catty streak
- vatty streak
- gatty streak
- tatty streak
- ratty streak
- fztty streak
- fstty streak
- fwtty streak
- fqtty streak
- farty streak
- fafty streak
- fagty streak
- fayty streak
- fa6ty streak
- fa5ty streak
- fatry streak
- fatfy streak
- fatgy streak
- fatyy streak
Etymology of FATTY STREAK
The etymology of the term "fatty streak" can be understood by examining the origins of each individual word:
1. Fatty: The word "fatty" is derived from the noun "fat", which originated from Middle English "fatte" and Old English "fǣtt" meaning "animal fat" or "grease". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*faitaz" and has connections to other Germanic languages such as Old High German "feiz" and Old Norse "feitr".
2. Streak: The word "streak" comes from Middle English "streke", which means a line or mark. It can be traced back to Old English "strica", from the Germanic root "*strik-" which means "to stroke". The term has evolved to encompass various meanings, including a line or mark left by something.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
