Atherosclerosis

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.

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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:

• Chest pain or angina
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Pain in your back, shoulders, neck, arms, or belly
• Fatigue or dizziness

Symptoms when the carotid artery is affected:

• Transient ischemic attacks (TIA)
• Sudden weakness or numbness in limbs
• Speech difficulties
• Visual disturbances
• Dizziness, loss of muscle strength, or weakness

Symptoms when the peripheral artery is affected:

• Claudication (pain in the legs when walking)
• Coldness or numbness in the extremities
• Burning or aching pain in your feet and toes
• Frequent skin and soft tissue infections
• Slow-healing wounds on the feet or legs
• Decreased or absent pulse in the limbs

Symptoms when the renal artery is affected:

• Elevated blood pressure 
• Feeling drowsy or tired
• Skin that feels dry, itchy, or numb
• Headaches
• Unexplained weight loss
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Change in your urination pattern 

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:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• High triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood)
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Diabetes and insulin resistance
• Obesity
• Chronic inflammation from conditions like: 
  • Arthritis
  • Lupus
  • Psoriasis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease

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:

• Aging
• Family history
• Genetic factors 
• Chronic inflammatory conditions

However, most risk factors can be managed through lifestyle changes and medical treatment, including:

• Unhealthy diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, and processed foods
• Diabetes (poor blood sugar control can damage arteries)
• High blood pressure (puts extra strain on artery walls)
• High cholesterol (leads to plaque buildup in arteries)
• Physical inactivity (contributes to poor blood circulation and weight gain)
• Obesity (increases the strain on the heart) 
• Smoking and tobacco use (damages blood vessels and accelerates plaque formation)

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:

• Blood Test: Cardiac blood test helps measure cholesterol levels and other markers to evaluate cardiovascular risk.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): These tests detect irregular heart rhythms and signs of reduced blood flow.
• Echocardiography: It uses ultrasound to assess heart function and structural abnormalities.
• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): ABI compares blood pressure in the arms and legs to check for peripheral artery disease.
• Coronary Calcium Scan (Heart Scan): This is performed to detect calcium deposits in artery walls.
• Cardiac Catheterization and Angiogram: A specialized procedure that identifies narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries.

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:

• Reducing the risk of blood clots
• Preventing complications like heart attack or stroke
• Managing symptoms to improve daily function
• Encouraging heart-healthy eating habits
• Slowing or stopping plaque buildup in your arteries
• Enhancing blood flow by widening arteries or bypassing blockages

Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options may include:

• Lifestyle changes like eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing stress.
• Medications to lower cholesterol, control blood pressure, prevent blood clots, or manage other risk factors.
• Minimally invasive procedures or surgical interventions for severe cases.

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.

• Angioplasty and stent placement: A minimally invasive procedure to open blocked arteries using a balloon and stent.
• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): CABG involves surgical rerouting of blood flow around blocked coronary arteries.
• Carotid Endarterectomy: This procedure involves the removal of plaque buildup from carotid arteries to prevent strokes.

While you may not be able to completely prevent atherosclerosis, you can lower your risk and minimize its impact by making heart-healthy choices.

• Eat foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar.
• Stay active by doing at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily.
• Maintain a healthy weight by consulting your provider for guidance on a weight range that’s right for you.
• Manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
• Quit smoking and avoid all other tobacco products.
• Schedule regular checkups to monitor your heart health.

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.