A Guide to Atherosclerosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Types

Many cardiovascular conditions — like atherosclerosis — are known as “silent killers” because individuals don’t show symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage.

The silent progression of atherosclerosis makes it particularly dangerous, highlighting the importance of knowing when to seek medical attention.

Understanding the signs, symptoms, and risks of atherosclerosis can also help you prevent serious or even life-threatening complications.

What is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a condition that develops when the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to a buildup of plaque around the artery wall.

The plaque responsible for this buildup is composed of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood.

As plaque hardens over time, it narrows the arteries, disrupting blood flow to vital organs and other body parts.

The buildup can also cause blood clots to form, blocking the flow of blood to various parts of the body.

This can cause serious complications, including heart attacks, organ failure, mobility issues, and even death.

Types of atherosclerosis

Various types of atherosclerosis can develop, depending on the underlying cause of the condition. These types may include:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) affects the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.

• Carotid artery disease involves the arteries that supply blood to the brain.

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects the arteries that supply blood to the arms, legs, and pelvis.

• Renal artery disease or renal artery stenosis (RAS) affects arteries that supply blood to the kidneys.

Symptoms of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis usually shows no symptoms until it’s advanced and the arteries are substantially blocked or a blood clot has formed.

Symptoms can also vary depending on the type of atherosclerosis, but generally include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Pain that radiates to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, or back
• Fatigue or dizziness
• Sudden numbness in the arms or legs
• Sudden vision problems
• Severe headaches
• Painful leg cramps after walking or climbing stairs
• Changes in the color of the legs
• Sores that won’t health on the toes, feet, or legs
• Difficulty speaking
• General confusion

What Causes Atherosclerosis to Develop?

High cholesterol

High cholesterol is one of the most common causes of atherosclerosis.

Elevated LDL cholesterol — often referred to as "bad cholesterol" — plays a central role in atherosclerosis development

LDL cholesterol can accumulate in artery walls, raising the risk of plaque formation and artery blockage.

Factors that may contribute to high levels of LDL cholesterol include genetics, poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking.

Poor diet

The type of food you consume can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, especially if your diet is high in sodium and processed foods.

A diet high in saturated and trans fats can elevate blood cholesterol levels, potentially contributing to atherosclerosis. Such foods include:

• Red meat
• Dairy products
• Fried foods
• Processed snacks

Regularly consuming high-salt foods can elevate blood pressure, increasing the risk of plaque development and artery blockage.

Aging

Getting older is an inevitable potential cause of atherosclerosis.

This is because arteries become less elastic and more susceptible to damage as we age, making them more prone to plaque buildup.

The body’s ability to metabolize cholesterol effectively can also decline with age, leading to elevated LDL cholesterol levels.

Older age may also be linked to additional atherosclerosis risk factors like hypertension and type 2 diabetes, that contribute to its development.

Smoking and alcohol use

Poor lifestyle habits — like smoking and alcohol use — are often significant risk factors for atherosclerosis.

Smoking damages the lining of the arteries, causing inflammation and an increased risk of plaque buildup.

Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes can narrow arteries by causing blood vessels to constrict.

This reduces the flow of blood and makes the arteries more prone to damage.

• Excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to atherosclerosis by raising blood pressure, affecting lipid profiles, and causing heart rhythm disturbances.

These are risk factors for atherosclerosis that can increase the likelihood of developing this condition if left unchecked.

How is Atherosclerosis Diagnosed?

Atherosclerosis should be diagnosed by a healthcare professional.

The diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, blood tests, and any necessary imaging procedures recommended by your doctor.

During the physical evaluation, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical and family history to determine your risk factors. They might also:

• Check if you have high blood pressure
• Calculate your body mass index (BMI)

Following the assessment, your doctor will order blood tests to assess your blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

This can help them determine the likelihood of plaque buildup in your arteries.

Next, you will undergo imaging tests to provide your doctor with a visualization of your arteries.

This is essential for identifying any existing blockages or areas where arteries have started narrowing. Common imaging tests used for atherosclerosis may include:

• Doppler ultrasounds
• Ankle-Brachial Index test (ABI test)
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Echocardiogram

Depending on your results, your doctor may request further testing that may be more invasive. These may include:

• Coronary angiography: In cases where severe artery blockage is suspected, coronary angiography may be considered. This involves inserting a catheter into the blocked artery and injecting contrast dye to reveal blocked areas on X-rays.

• Cardiac catheterization: This procedure visualizes heart pressure to assess its pumping function. Deviations from standardized levels may suggest a blood flow problem.

After all tests have been conducted, your doctor will evaluate your results and make a diagnosis. They will then recommend appropriate treatment options.

What are the Treatment Options for Atherosclerosis?

Treating atherosclerosis usually involves preventing the condition from worsening, managing symptoms, and preventing complications.

Medication

Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medication are usually the primary treatment options for atherosclerosis.

These drugs can alleviate uncomfortable symptoms, improve your quality of life, and reduce your risk of additional complications. Popular medication options include:

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Antihypertensives
• Antiplatelet agents
• Anticoagulants
• Diabetes medications
• Nitroglycerin (for chest pain)
• Vasodilators

Your doctor will recommend drugs based on your diagnosis and monitor how you react to them.

If your condition doesn’t seem to improve, they will likely adjust your dosage or recommend alternative treatment options.

Surgical procedures

Although rare, surgical intervention for atherosclerosis may be considered for severe cases or if various medication options aren’t effective. Common procedures include:

Angioplasty and stent placement Coronary artery bypass surgery Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) Peripheral artery bypass surgery Atherectomy

These procedures are usually a last resort due to their high risk and extended recovery time.

Can Atherosclerosis Cause Any Complications?

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease, which means it can worsen over time, especially if left untreated.

As it progresses, atherosclerosis is more likely to cause several serious complications that may include:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Aneurysms

Many of these complications can be life-threatening if you don’t seek emergency medical care right away.

They also emphasize the importance of detecting conditions like atherosclerosis as early as possible and getting the proper treatment.

Can You Prevent Atherosclerosis?

It’s possible to prevent atherosclerosis by making lifestyle changes and managing any medical conditions that contribute to its development.

While some risk factors can’t be changed — such as a family history of heart disease — many others can be managed to help prevent atherosclerosis.

Common preventative strategies that you can put in place may include:

• Following a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins

• Getting regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week)

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Quitting smoking

• Managing health conditions that are risk factors for atherosclerosis

• Limiting alcohol intake

• Implementing stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga

Depending on your lifestyle habits, your doctor can also recommend specific changes that may help lower your risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Should You See a Doctor About Atherosclerosis?

Consulting a doctor about atherosclerosis is crucial, especially if you fall into high-risk categories.

This can help them identify potential issues early on and recommend appropriate preventative measures to avoid severe complications.

Scheduling regular checkups with your doctor is also important, especially if you have a family history of heart disease.

Early detection and management goes a long way in preventing serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

You should also seek urgent medical care if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent cardiovascular symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue
• Significant leg pain or numbness while walking
• Signs of stroke-like symptoms, including sudden numbness, difficulty speaking, or vision loss

These symptoms can be signs of a medical emergency that can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Where Can You Learn More About Atherosclerosis and Other Similar Conditions?

If you’re concerned about your symptoms or want to know more about atherosclerosis, LifeMD is here to help.

LifeMD can connect you to a team of medical professionals who can provide information and guidance on managing your condition while avoiding further complications.

Make an appointment today to get started.