Atherosclerosis is the thickening and stiffening of arterial walls due to excessive pressure, which can lead to arteriosclerosis. Symptoms vary depending on which arteries are affected, and risk factors include smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure. Treatment may include exercise, medications, or surgery.
Atherosclerosis refers to several diseases in which the arterial wall thickens and loses its elasticity. Commonly confused with atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque made up of cholesterol and other substances on arterial walls, atherosclerosis is the thickening and stiffening of arterial walls due to excessive pressure. Atherosclerosis can lead to arteriosclerosis, which comes from the Greek for “hardening of the arteries.”
The most common sites for atherosclerosis are the arteries of the brain, kidneys, heart, abdominal aorta, or legs. The symptoms of atherosclerosis vary depending on which arteries are affected. Leg pain during exercise could indicate peripheral arterial disease. Sudden weakness or dizziness could be caused by a blockage in the carotid artery in the neck, producing stroke-like symptoms. Chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack could indicate blockage of the coronary arteries. Atherosclerosis can also cause erectile dysfunction.
Risk factors for atherosclerosis include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and/or cholesterol, stress, and diabetes. A virus or allergic reaction, chronic kidney disease, irritants such as nicotine and medications, or too much of the amino acid homocystine can also lead to atherosclerosis. A family history of early heart disease is also a risk factor for developing arteriosclerosis.
If you experience signs of restricted blood flow, you should see your doctor. Those with poor blood flow to one area of the body are likely to have arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis in another part of the body. During a physical exam, your doctor can find signs of arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis by several methods, including listening to your arteries through a stethoscope.
Decreased blood pressure in a limb or lack of pulse in a narrowed artery could indicate atherosclerosis. Other warning signs include a bulge in the abdomen or behind the knee. Your doctor may also notice poor wound healing in an area with restricted blood flow. Blood tests, imaging, ultrasounds, electrocardiograms (EKGs), and other tests help a doctor diagnose arteriosclerosis.
Treatment varies based on symptoms and the severity of the condition, but may include exercise, medications, or surgery. Some treatments include reducing dietary calcium and increasing magnesium intake. In some cases, cholesterol-lowering drugs, aspirin therapy, blood thinners, and vasodilators are used. Patients should also try to manage stress, eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, refrain from smoking, and maintain healthy levels of cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
At least four different surgical methods are available for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Another form of treatment is thrombolytic therapy, in which a doctor inserts a clot-dissolving drug into the artery to break up the clot.
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