Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)

Which statement about Atherosclerosis is false?

1. It can affect the coronary arteries

2. It affects the veins

3. It is promoted by LDL and protected by HDL

4. It is a chronic disease that can remain asymptomatic for decades

The correct answer is: It affects the veins

Atherosclerosis is primarily a process that involves the arteries, specifically the buildup of cholesterol, fats, and other substances in and on the arterial walls. This condition leads to the hardening and narrowing of these arteries over time, ultimately affecting blood flow. While it is crucial to understand the role of different types of lipoproteins, like LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), in this process, it is the arteries, not the veins, that are significantly impacted by atherosclerosis. In this context, the assertion that atherosclerosis affects the veins is incorrect because atherosclerosis is associated with arterial disease. The other statements accurately reflect various aspects of atherosclerosis: it indeed affects coronary arteries, it is influenced by the levels of LDL and HDL, and it can be a chronic disease that develops silently for many years without presenting symptoms. Understanding these facts helps clarify why the statement regarding its effects on veins is false.