What condition is characterized by the development of fibrofatty plaques within arteries?

Atherosclerosis is the condition characterized by the development of fibrofatty plaques within the arterial walls. These plaques consist of lipids, inflammatory cells, and fibrous connective tissue, which can progressively narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow. Atherosclerosis is a significant underlying cause of various cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.

The process begins with damage to the endothelial lining of arteries, which makes the vessel walls susceptible to the accumulation of cholesterol and other substances. Over time, this accumulation leads to the formation of plaques, which can harden and lead to plaques protruding into the arterial lumen. As the plaques grow, they not only restrict blood flow but also pose a risk of rupture, potentially resulting in thrombosis and acute cardiovascular events.

In contrast, other conditions listed do not primarily involve the formation of plaques within arteries. An aneurysm refers to a localized dilation of an artery, congestive heart failure is a condition arising from the heart's inability to pump effectively, and valvular heart disease pertains to dysfunction of the heart valves, none of which fundamentally involve the fibrofatty plaque accumulation that is the hallmark of atherosclerosis.