Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular condition caused by plaque buildup in the arteries, leading to narrowed or blocked blood flow. Over time, this can increase the risk of severe cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.
At Sydnor Cardiovascular Center, our expert cardiologists specialize in early detection, advanced treatments, and preventive care to help you manage and reduce your risk of atherosclerosis-related complications.
Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease where arteries become narrowed and stiffened due to the accumulation of fatty deposits, known as plaque. This plaque is made up of cholesterol, fats, calcium, and other substances in the blood.
As plaque builds up, the walls of your arteries become thicker and less flexible —a process often referred to as “hardening of the arteries.” In the early stages of this condition, this occurs gradually and without noticeable symptoms.
However, as plaque continues to build, it gradually narrows the artery’s opening (lumen), restricting blood flow to vital organs and tissues. Over time, the constant pressure of blood flow can cause the plaque to erode or rupture, potentially triggering the formation of a blood clot.
Think of a narrowed artery like a highway reduced to a single lane—traffic slows, but movement continues. A blood clot, however, is like a complete roadblock, halting circulation to the affected area.
If left untreated, atherosclerosis can lead to serious health complications. For instance, if a clot forms in your coronary artery, it cuts off oxygen supply to the heart, leading to a heart attack.
Possible complications of reduced blood flow include:
Early diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis can help prevent or delay these complications, reducing the risk of emergency cardiac events.
Atherosclerosis can develop in nearly any artery in your body, affecting blood flow to critical organs and tissues. The condition is classified based on the arteries involved:
Atherosclerosis symptoms often develop gradually as plaque slowly accumulates in the arteries. The specific symptoms can vary depending on which arteries are affected.
Symptoms when the coronary artery is affected:
Symptoms when the carotid artery is affected:
Symptoms when the peripheral artery is affected:
Symptoms when the renal artery is affected:
The exact cause of atherosclerosis is not fully known, but it often begins with damage to the inner lining of an artery. Several factors may contribute to this damage, including:
Once the artery wall is damaged, blood cells and other substances accumulate at the injury site. Over time, fats, cholesterol, and additional substances build up, forming plaque that narrows and stiffens the arteries.
Some risk factors for atherosclerosis are beyond your control, including:
However, most risk factors can be managed through lifestyle changes and medical treatment, including:
To diagnose atherosclerosis, our cardiologist performs a physical exam, listens to your heart, and reviews your symptoms and family health history. Various tests may be used to assess the health of your heart and arteries, including:
These tests help determine the extent of atherosclerosis and guide treatment decisions.
Atherosclerosis treatment focuses on improving heart health and preventing complications. The common goals we focus on during your treatment include:
Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options may include:
In most cases, lifestyle changes may be the only treatment needed for atherosclerosis. However, in cases where lifestyle changes and medications are insufficient, the following interventions may become necessary.
While you may not be able to completely prevent atherosclerosis, you can lower your risk and minimize its impact by making heart-healthy choices.
At Sydnor Cardiovascular Center, our board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Lilian Ahiable, is committed to delivering personalized, evidence-based care to improve your heart health and overall well-being. She provides exceptional cardiovascular care focusing on prevention, early detection, and treatment of atherosclerosis.
To schedule an appointment, call 727-300-2282 or request an appointment online.