Arteriosclerosis
About - Arteriosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries become thickened, stiffened, and less flexible. Arteriosclerosis is a general term that includes several types of arterial changes. One of the most common types is atherosclerosis, which occurs when fats, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances build up in the artery walls and form deposits called plaques. As plaque gradually accumulates, the arteries can become narrower and less able to carry blood to organs and tissues. In some cases, a plaque can rupture and cause a blood clot, suddenly blocking blood flow. Depending on which artery is affected, arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis can contribute to serious problems such as heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease, kidney problems, and other complications. Arteriosclerosis can develop slowly over many years and may not cause noticeable symptoms until an artery has become significantly narrowed or blood flow is suddenly blocked.
Arteriosclerosis itself may not cause symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms usually occur when narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood supply to a particular organ or part of the body. Common symptoms may include:
- Chest pain or angina, particularly when the arteries supplying the heart are affected
- Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity
- Fatigue or reduced ability to exercise
- Pain, cramping, heaviness, or weakness in the legs during walking that improves with rest
- Coldness or numbness in an arm or leg
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech, or slurred speech
- Temporary loss of vision in one eye
- Dizziness, confusion, or problems with balance or coordination when blood flow to the brain is affected
- Pain in the arm, leg, or other area supplied by a narrowed artery
- Slow-healing wounds, particularly on the feet or legs
- Weakness or muscle fatigue in the legs caused by reduced blood circulation
- High blood pressure, which may occur when arteries supplying the kidneys are affected
The symptoms depend largely on which arteries are narrowed or blocked.
Arteriosclerosis develops through changes in the artery walls. Atherosclerosis, the plaque-forming type of arteriosclerosis, is influenced by several factors. Important risk factors include:
- Aging – the risk of arterial stiffness and plaque buildup generally increases with age
- High blood pressure – can damage the inner lining of the arteries
- High cholesterol – particularly elevated LDL cholesterol, which can contribute to plaque formation
- High triglyceride levels
- Smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke
- Insulin resistance, overweight or obesity, or diabetes
- Physical inactivity
- An unhealthy diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and highly processed foods
- A family history of early cardiovascular disease
- Chronic inflammation associated with certain diseases, including arthritis and lupus
- Chronic kidney disease
- Increasing age and other metabolic risk factors
Having several risk factors at the same time can substantially increase the likelihood of developing atherosclerotic disease.
Arteriosclerosis is a general term that includes different types of arterial changes.
Atherosclerosis is the most common form. It occurs when fatty deposits and other substances accumulate within the walls of arteries and form plaques.
Arteriolosclerosis affects the smaller arteries and arterioles. It is commonly associated with conditions such as long-standing high blood pressure and diabetes.
This less common form involves calcium deposits in the muscular layer of medium-sized arteries. It can cause arteries to become stiff, although it does not necessarily produce the same type of obstructive plaque seen in atherosclerosis.
Arteries normally expand and contract to help regulate blood flow. As arteries become stiff or narrowed, blood circulation may become impaired. When atherosclerotic plaque becomes large enough to narrow an artery, less blood reaches the tissues supplied by that artery. A plaque can also rupture, triggering the formation of a blood clot. The clot may partially or completely block the artery. Depending on the location of the affected artery, this can result in:
- Coronary artery disease and chest pain
- Heart attack if blood flow to heart muscle is blocked
- Carotid artery disease and stroke
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke
- Peripheral artery disease, causing pain and reduced circulation in the limbs
- Kidney artery disease, which may contribute to high blood pressure or reduced kidney function
- Reduced circulation to other organs
Untreated or advanced atherosclerotic disease can lead to serious complications, including:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Coronary artery disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- Aneurysm
- Poor wound healing
- Tissue damage caused by severely reduced blood flow
- Kidney damage or reduced kidney function
- In severe cases, loss of a limb due to critical loss of circulation
A healthcare professional may suspect arteriosclerosis based on symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and cardiovascular risk factors. Depending on the suspected location and severity of arterial disease, tests may include:
Blood tests may be performed to measure cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, and other factors associated with cardiovascular risk.
Regular blood pressure measurements help identify hypertension, an important risk factor for arterial disease.
An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and may help identify evidence of heart-related problems.
This test compares blood pressure in the ankle with blood pressure in the arm. It can help identify peripheral artery disease.
Doppler or vascular ultrasound can evaluate blood flow and identify narrowing or obstruction in certain arteries.
Imaging tests such as CT angiography or MR angiography can provide detailed images of blood vessels when more information is required.
When significant coronary artery disease is suspected, coronary angiography may be used to identify narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. The tests recommended depend on the person’s symptoms and individual risk factors.
Treatment focuses on improving blood flow, reducing cardiovascular risk, preventing plaque from progressing, and lowering the risk of complications such as heart attack and stroke.
Healthy lifestyle habits are an important part of treatment and prevention. These may include:
- Stopping smoking and avoiding tobacco products
- Eating a heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and other nutritious foods
- Limiting saturated fats, trans fats, excess salt, and highly processed foods
- Exercising regularly according to medical advice
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Controlling blood pressure
- Managing diabetes and blood glucose levels
- Controlling cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Getting adequate sleep and managing stress
Depending on the person’s condition and risk factors, a doctor may prescribe medicines to control cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, or other cardiovascular risk factors. Statins and other cholesterol-lowering medicines may be recommended for people who have an appropriate indication. Antiplatelet medicines or other blood-thinning medicines may be used in selected patients, but these medicines are not suitable for everyone and should only be taken when recommended by a healthcare professional.
If an artery is severely narrowed or blocked, a procedure may sometimes be required. Depending on the affected artery and severity of disease, treatment may include:
- Angioplasty
- Placement of a stent
- Endarterectomy
- Bypass surgery
The appropriate procedure depends on the location and severity of the blockage and the person’s overall health.
Some forms of arteriosclerosis are related to aging and cannot be completely prevented. However, many risk factors for atherosclerosis can be reduced. To help protect artery health:
- Do not smoke
- Monitor blood pressure regularly
- Have cholesterol checked as recommended
- Maintain healthy blood glucose levels
- Exercise regularly
- Follow a balanced diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Take prescribed medicines as directed
- Attend regular medical checkups, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of cardiovascular disease
Early management of cardiovascular risk factors can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.
Arterial blockage can sometimes become an emergency. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience:
- Sudden or severe chest pain or pressure
- Severe shortness of breath
- Sudden weakness or numbness, particularly on one side of the body
- Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden loss of vision
- Sudden severe dizziness or loss of balance
- A suddenly cold, pale, blue, numb, or extremely painful limb
These symptoms may indicate a heart attack, stroke, or acute loss of blood flow and require urgent treatment.
A Cardiologist may evaluate arteriosclerosis when the heart or coronary arteries are involved. Depending on the affected blood vessels, other specialists may also be involved, such as a vascular specialist, neurologist, nephrologist, or primary care physician.
Arteriosclerosis is a general term used to describe thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is one specific type of arteriosclerosis that involves the buildup of plaque inside artery walls.
No. The terms are related but are not identical. Arteriosclerosis describes a broad group of conditions involving stiffening or hardening of arteries. Atherosclerosis is a specific type caused by plaque buildup involving cholesterol, fats, calcium, and other substances.
Atherosclerosis develops through a complex process involving injury and inflammation of the artery wall and accumulation of cholesterol and other substances. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, aging, and family history can increase the risk.
Some risk factors and early changes associated with atherosclerotic disease can be improved with lifestyle changes and appropriate medical treatment. Treatment can slow or stabilize plaque progression and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. However, established plaque should not be assumed to disappear completely.
Arterial stiffness can contribute to high blood pressure. In addition, long-standing high blood pressure can damage artery walls and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Disease affecting the arteries supplying the kidneys can also contribute to difficult-to-control hypertension.
Yes. Although the risk generally increases with age, atherosclerosis can begin developing earlier in life, particularly in people with risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, high blood pressure, or a strong family history of cardiovascular disease.
Regular physical activity can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce several risk factors, including high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, excess body weight, and diabetes. People with known cardiovascular disease should discuss an appropriate exercise program with their healthcare professional.
It can be. Mild arterial changes may cause no symptoms, but significant narrowing or sudden blockage can reduce blood flow to vital organs. Depending on the affected artery, this may result in heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease, or other serious complications.
No. Aspirin or other antiplatelet medicines are not appropriate for everyone. They can increase the risk of bleeding and should only be taken when recommended by a qualified healthcare professional based on the individual’s medical history and cardiovascular risk.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, commonly abbreviated as ASCVD, refers to cardiovascular conditions caused by atherosclerosis. These include coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerotic disease can vary significantly from person to person. If you have symptoms, risk factors, or concerns about your cardiovascular health, consult a qualified healthcare professional. In the event of severe chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, sudden loss of vision, or other signs of a heart attack or stroke, seek emergency medical care immediately.
