<qa>  What type of disease is atherosclerosis?This study will use excess tissue from endoscopic or surgical procedures to examine the elements of plaque that are found in the carotid walls of patients who have a type of heart and blood vessel disease called atherosclerosis. Tissue will be collected from patients undergoing carotid procedures as well as patients undergoing liver andor intestinal biopsies. This lab study will examine the different types of proteins that play a role in developing heart plaque. 