1) Age, lifestyle, diet, and gene related degeneration of arteries due to deposition of lipoid plaques (atheromas) on inner arterial walls; main cause of coronary artery disease, a leading cause of death.

2) A common form of arteriosclerosis characterized by deposits of plaques (atheromas) containing lipids, carbohydrates, blood and blood products, fibrous tissue, and calcium deposits. These plaques are found in the intima of large- and medium-sized arteries.