What is Atherosclerosis?
Arteries can become thickened and hardened for various reasons, a condition known as arteriosclerosis. One specific type, called atherosclerosis, occurs when cholesterol, fat, and other substances accumulate inside the arteries. These substances form plaque on the artery walls, which can narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow. Atherosclerosis is a common cardiovascular disease that can affect arteries anywhere in the body.
Understanding Atherosclerosis
Often referred to as hardening of the arteries, this disease develops when sticky plaque builds up inside arterial walls. Plaque consists of cholesterol, fatty substances, calcium, fibrin (a clotting protein), and cellular waste. Over time, these deposits cause the artery walls to thicken and narrow the blood flow channel. As a result, tissues and vital organs receive less oxygen and nutrients. Severe blockage may even stop blood flow completely.
Related Diseases
Plaque accumulation can occur in any artery of the body. When blood flow is partially or completely blocked, serious health issues may arise, such as:
- Coronary heart disease: Blockage in the arteries that supply the heart.
- Angina: Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow.
- Peripheral arterial disease: Narrowing of arteries in the legs, arms, or pelvis.
- Renal artery stenosis: Buildup in arteries supplying the kidneys.
- Heart attack: When a plaque fragment breaks off and obstructs a vessel.
- Stroke or paralysis: Reduced blood flow to the brain.
Other possible outcomes include vascular dementia, erectile dysfunction, and limb loss.
Causes of Atherosclerosis
The primary cause is plaque buildup and damage to arterial walls. There is no single trigger; multiple risk factors interact. When damage occurs, inflammatory cells migrate to the site, releasing signals that attract cholesterol and cellular debris. White blood cells cluster in these areas, forming fatty streaks that develop into larger plaques. As they grow, arteries narrow and blood flow decreases. In some cases, a fragment may detach and travel through the bloodstream, causing blockages elsewhere.
Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis
The risk factors that promote plaque formation are often closely related. Common risk factors for atherosclerosis include:
- Family history of atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, or heart disease
- Diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Overweight and obesity
- Inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis)
- Metabolic syndrome
- Advancing age
- Use of alcohol, cigarettes, or other tobacco products
- Lack of physical activity
- Diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol
IIn addition, certain conditions in women”such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes during pregnancy”may further increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
Signs and Symptoms of Atherosclerosis
Early or mild atherosclerosis often does not cause any noticeable signs or symptoms. Symptoms typically appear when blood vessels become significantly narrowed or blocked. In some cases, symptoms may also develop if a blood clot completely obstructs blood flow. Moderate to severe atherosclerosis can cause different symptoms depending on which arteries are affected.
The symptoms of atherosclerosis can be listed as follows:
- Atherosclerosis of the heart vessels: Chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, cold sweats, nausea and weakness,
- Atherosclerosis of the arteries of the arms and legs: Leg pain and cramping when walking, decreased blood pressure in the limb, changes in skin color, infection and non-healing wounds in the limbs,
- Atherosclerosis of the brain arteries: Speech difficulties, temporary loss of vision, sagging facial muscles, problems with thinking and memory, numbness in the limbs,
- Atherosclerosis of the renal arteries: High blood pressure and kidney failure, edema, changes in urinary frequency, dry and itchy skin, fatigue,
- Atherosclerosis of the intestinal arteries: Severe pain or cramping after eating, diarrhea and weight loss.
In addition, atherosclerosis of the neck arteries can cause symptoms such as bruising and murmurs.
Atherosclerosis Diagnostic Methods
Atherosclerosis can be diagnosed using many different methods. Medical history and family history need to be assessed. A physical examination can be performed to listen to the heart and blood flow. Tests and methods used to calculate the risk of atherosclerosis or to diagnose it may include:
-Blood tests: This includes examining CRP, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Echocardiogram: Measures blood flow in the heart and its ability to pump blood.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): The rhythm and rate of the heart and its electrical activity are measured.
- Exercise stress test: The function of the heart is assessed during physical activity.
- Doppler ultrasound: Blood flow in various areas such as the arms and legs is monitored.
- Ankle/Arm index: This involves comparing blood pressure in the ankle with blood pressure in the arm.
- Angiography: A contrast dye is injected into the vein to detect the presence of blood vessel blockages.
Other tests or imaging methods may include computed tomography (CT), chest X-ray, positron emission tomography (PET), abdominal and carotid ultrasound.
Treatment Methods for Atherosclerosis
Treating atherosclerosis can involve several strategies, including lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical procedures. The primary goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms, reduce the risk of blood clots, prevent heart attacks and strokes, improve cardiovascular health, stop further plaque buildup, and restore proper blood flow by widening affected arteries. Treatment options may include:
- Lifestyle changes: Quitting alcohol, smoking, and tobacco products; increasing physical activity; and following a healthy diet such as the Mediterranean diet.
- Medication: Various medications can help control blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and prevent clot formation. These include statins, blood pressure medications, and other relevant drugs.
- Surgery and procedures: For severe cases, treatments may include angioplasty, atherectomy, carotid endarterectomy, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and stent placement to restore blood flow and manage complications.
Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
For more information about our academic and training initiatives, visit Liv Hospital Academy
FAQ
What Is The Risk of Atherosclerosis Causing a Heart Attack?
Plaque buildup and blood clots can obstruct blood flow in arteries that supply vital organs. When a blood clot forms in the coronary arteries”the vessels that supply the heart”blood flow can be blocked, depriving the heart of oxygen and nutrients and potentially causing a heart attack. While not every case of atherosclerosis leads to a heart attack, it remains a common and serious risk of the disease.
What is atherosclerosis, and how is it different from arteriosclerosis?
What causes atherosclerosis, and who is at higher risk?
Can atherosclerosis be reversed?
How is atherosclerosis diagnosed?
-
- Blood tests: cholesterol panel, glucose, and CRP.
- Ultrasound/Doppler and Ankle–Brachial Index for leg arteries.
- ECG, echocardiogram, and exercise stress testing for heart involvement.
- Imaging of vessels: carotid or abdominal ultrasound, CT angiography, MRCP/MRA (as indicated), and invasive angiography when needed.
- Additional studies may include a chest X-ray or a PET scan in select cases.
How serious is atherosclerosis of the aorta or coronary arteries?
What are the most effective ways to prevent or slow atherosclerosis?
-
- Stop smoking and avoid tobacco in all forms.
- Follow a Mediterranean-style eating pattern: high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains; emphasize fish and olive oil; limit trans fats, saturated fats, refined sugars, and excess sodium.
- Exercise regularly (e.g., at least 150 minutes/week of moderate activity), and maintain a healthy weight; avoid rapid weight changes.
- Control blood pressure, cholesterol (often with statins), and blood sugar if you have diabetes.
- Manage inflammatory conditions; keep regular check-ups to track risk and adjust treatment early.
