Atherosclerosis Symptoms, Causes, And Treatments

Below, you’ll find must-know information about atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque builds up inside arteries, leading to the accumulation of cholesterol, fat, and other substances on the inner walls of the arteries. This accumulation causes the arteries to narrow, reducing the space through which blood can flow.

Over time, the accumulation of plaque may cause the walls of the arteries to harden and thicken.

This can result in decreased flexibility, reducing their capacity to expand and contract as necessary to accommodate variations in blood flow.

This particular health condition can also lead to heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

Atherosclerosis can manifest in any part of the body. However, it most frequently occurs in the arteries that supply the heart, brain, and legs with blood.

Atherosclerosis typically takes several years to develop. In many cases, it does not exhibit symptoms until it has advanced significantly.

It is believed that atherosclerosis is the outcome of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

These factors include but are not limited to high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, smoking, diabetes, and obesity.

In the case of men, the likelihood of developing this condition tends to increase after they turn 45 years old. Conversely, for women, the risk often elevates after they reach the age of 55.

Women who have endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome or have a history of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia during pregnancy may be at a higher risk of developing this condition.

Knowing the various symptoms of this health condition is important for early detection, prevention, and treatment of this serious condition.

Below are the atherosclerosis symptoms worth knowing about.

10. Chest Pain Or Angina

In atherosclerosis, chest pain or discomfort, medically termed angina, arises due to a shortage of blood flow to the heart muscle.

The narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle results from the accumulation of plaque.

Consequently, the amount of oxygen-rich blood reaching the heart muscle reduces, leading to chest pain, pressure, tightness, or discomfort.

This symptom can feel like a squeezing or burning sensation. Physical activity or emotional stress can exacerbate it since they enhance the heart muscle’s oxygen demand.

9. Pain The Area Where There’s A Blocked Artery

The reason for the pain felt in the area where an artery is blocked in atherosclerosis is the insufficiency of blood flow and oxygen supply to the tissues beyond the blockage.

As the plaque builds up inside the artery, the passage becomes narrower or completely blocked, depriving the tissues depending on the blood flow from that artery of sufficient oxygen and nutrients.

This results in ischemia or injury to the tissues, causing pain or discomfort in the affected area. The type and severity of symptoms are dependent on which artery is blocked and the extent of the affected tissue.

8. Shortness Of Breath

Shortness of breath is a common symptom of atherosclerosis and can be caused by reduced blood flow to the lungs or heart muscle.

Atherosclerosis can result in insufficient blood flow and shortness of breath. Additionally, blockages in the coronary arteries can reduce the blood supply to the heart muscle, which can cause the heart to pump less effectively and lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath.

Weakening of the heart muscle due to a heart attack or heart failure can also cause shortness of breath. Physical activity or emotional stress can worsen this symptom because they increase the demand for oxygen by the body.

7. Fatigue

When plaque builds up inside the arteries, it can narrow or block them, which limits blood flow to the tissues beyond the blockage. As a result, these tissues may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to weakness and fatigue.

In addition, if the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood due to a blockage in the coronary arteries, the heart may not pump efficiently, which can cause fatigue.

6. Confusion

In some instances, atherosclerosis can lead to confusion due to impaired blood flow to the brain caused by a blockage in the arteries that supply blood to it.

Insufficient oxygen and nutrients reaching the brain can damage brain cells, resulting in cognitive issues such as confusion. Confusion can also result from a stroke, which is a severe complication of atherosclerosis.

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