Atherosclerosis

What is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease in which fatty deposits (plaques) composed of cholesterol, calcium, and other substances accumulate on the inner walls of arteries. Over time, these plaques narrow the arterial lumen, restricting blood flow to vital organs. If a plaque ruptures, it can trigger a blood clot that completely blocks the artery, leading to a heart attack or stroke. Atherosclerosis typically begins in adolescence but clinical symptoms may not appear for decades. It is strongly linked to modifiable risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, and diabetes.

Symptoms

• ●Chest pain or angina
• ●Shortness of breath
• ●Leg pain when walking (claudication)
• ●Numbness or weakness in limbs
• ●Difficulty speaking or sudden vision loss
• ●Fatigue

What Causes Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis begins with damage to the inner lining of an artery (endothelium) caused by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or high blood sugar. This damage allows LDL cholesterol to enter and accumulate in the artery wall, triggering an inflammatory response that leads to plaque formation over time.

Risk Factors

• ⚠High LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol
• ⚠Hypertension
• ⚠Diabetes and insulin resistance
• ⚠Smoking
• ⚠Obesity and physical inactivity
• ⚠Family history of premature heart disease

How to Prevent Atherosclerosis

Preventing atherosclerosis involves controlling cholesterol and blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, not smoking, and managing blood sugar levels. Regular cardiovascular risk assessment through blood tests can help detect early warning signs.

When to Get Tested

Consider testing if you have multiple cardiovascular risk factors, a family history of heart disease, or are over 40. A lipid profile, hs-CRP, and homocysteine test can help assess your risk.

References & Sources

• [1]
  Mayo Clinic — Arteriosclerosis/AtherosclerosisAccessed: 2026-02-24
• [2]
  Cleveland Clinic — AtherosclerosisAccessed: 2026-02-24
• [3]
  NHS — AtherosclerosisAccessed: 2026-02-24