The fatty streaks in arteries continue to develop and bulge into arteries. This cholesterol “bulge” is then covered by a scar that produces a hard coat or shell over cholesterol and cell mixture. It is this collection of cholesterol that is then covered by a scar that is called “plaque.”

The buildup of plaque narrows space in arteries through which blood can flow, decreasing supply of oxygen and nutrients. This cuts down supply of blood and oxygen to tissues that are fed by that blood vessel.

The elasticity of blood vessel is reduced and arteries’ ability to control blood pressure is compromised. If there is not enough oxygen carrying blood passing through narrowed arteries, heart may give you a pain that is called angina.

The pain usually happens when you exercise because at that time your heart requires more oxygen. Usually it is felt in chest or left arm and shoulder, although it can happen without any symptoms at all.

Plaque can vary in size as well as shape. All through coronary arteries you can find many small plaques that cover less than half of an artery opening. Some of these plaques are completely invisible in tests that doctors use to identify heart disease.

The medical community used to think that primary concern was larger plaques. They thought these posed a greater threat because of their size and that they were more likely to cause a complete blockage of coronary arteries.

While it is true that larger plaques are more likely to cause angina, it is smaller plaques that are packed with cholesterol and covered by scars that are more dangerous. They are considered unstable and prone to ruptures or bursting releasing their load of cholesterol into bloodstream. This causes immediate clotting within artery. If blood clot blocks artery totally, it will stop blood flow and a heart attack occurs. The muscle o­n farter side of occurring clot fails to get oxygen it needs and begins to die. This kind of damage can be permanent.

If you are in that "no mans land" where you do not yet qualify for Medicare, Medicaid or any of other social programs yet are too old for individual coverage you might take a look at AARP. It can provide a stop gap for that period of time while you are waiting to qualify for assistance. If you are a young single parent, investigate any subsidized programs that might be available in your state. Many states have programs that will provide care for your children if not for yourself. These social programs are generally based on a sliding scale based on your income level and in many cases visits and prescriptions for your children might be free of charge.

Investigate non-insurance type programs. If you find yourself not able to pay hefty monthly insurance premiums, can't get coverage you need, or fall into areas that are not covered by traditional health insurance means, this type of program can literally save you thousands of dollars. This non-insurance solution gives members negotiated reduced fee schedules or discounts for medical, dental, prescriptions, hospitals, vision care, and more.

With skyrocketing costs of health care, no one should ever feel embarrassed or sacrifice health of themselves or their loved ones by applying for any type of assistance that might be available to meet their needs. Until something happens to curb this upward spiral we must all take special steps to see that most vulnerable members of our society receive health care they need... namely, our children and our elderly.