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| Atherosclerosis |
 | | Diseases caused by atherosclerosis are the leading cause of illness and death for both men and women in the U.S, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. |
 | | Atherosclerosis in the legs is the most common form of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and can lead to intermittent claudicationsevere pain, aching or cramping when walking, numbness, reduced circulation, and if left untreated, gangrene (death of tissue). |
 | | Atherosclerosis is one cause of rapid or irregular heartbeat; however, it can also be caused by angina, valvular heart disease, blood clots, thyroid abnormalities, electrolyte imbalance or previous heart damage. |
| www.healthywomen.org /healthtopics/atherosclerosis (2273 words) |
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